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Sulfacetamide Sodium
Pronunciation
U.S. Brand Names
Generic Available
Synonyms
Pharmacological Index
Use
Pregnancy Risk Factor
Contraindications
Warnings/Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
Stability
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics
Usual Dosage
Monitoring Parameters
Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment
Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
Patient Information
Nursing Implications
Dosage Forms
References

Pronunciation
(sul fa SEE ta mide SOW dee um)

U.S. Brand Names
AK-Sulf® Ophthalmic; Bleph®-10 Ophthalmic; Cetamide® Ophthalmic; Isopto® Cetamide® Ophthalmic; Klaron® Lotion; Ocusulf-10® Ophthalmic; Sebizon® Topical Lotion; Sodium Sulamyd® Ophthalmic; Sulf-10® Ophthalmic

Generic Available

Yes


Synonyms
Sodium Sulfacetamide

Pharmacological Index

Antibiotic, Ophthalmic; Antibiotic, Sulfonamide Derivative


Use

Treatment and prophylaxis of conjunctivitis due to susceptible organisms; corneal ulcers; adjunctive treatment with systemic sulfonamides for therapy of trachoma; topical application in scaling dermatosis (seborrheic); bacterial infections of the skin


Pregnancy Risk Factor

C


Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to sulfacetamide or any component, sulfonamides; infants <2 months of age


Warnings/Precautions

Inactivated by purulent exudates containing PABA; use with caution in severe dry eye; ointment may retard corneal epithelial healing; sulfite in some products may cause hypersensitivity reactions; cross-sensitivity may occur with previous exposure to other sulfonamides given by other routes


Adverse Reactions

1% to 10%: Local: Irritation, stinging, burning

<1%: Headache, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, blurred vision, browache, hypersensitivity reactions


Drug Interactions

Decreased effect: Silver, gentamicin (antagonism)


Stability

Protect from light; discolored solution should not be used; incompatible with silver and zinc sulfate; sulfacetamide is inactivated by blood or purulent exudates


Mechanism of Action

Interferes with bacterial growth by inhibiting bacterial folic acid synthesis through competitive antagonism of PABA


Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Half-life: 7-13 hours

Elimination: When absorbed, excreted primarily in urine as unchanged drug


Usual Dosage

Children >2 months and Adults: Ophthalmic:

Ointment: Apply to lower conjunctival sac 1-4 times/day and at bedtime

Solution: Instill 1-3 drops several times daily up to every 2-3 hours in lower conjunctival sac during waking hours and less frequently at night

Children >12 years and Adults: Topical:

Seborrheic dermatitis: Apply at bedtime and allow to remain overnight; in severe cases, may apply twice daily

Secondary cutaneous bacterial infections: Apply 2-4 times/day until infection clears


Monitoring Parameters

Response to therapy


Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

None reported


Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported


Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions

No information available to require special precautions


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No effects or complications reported


Patient Information

Use as directed. Complete full course of therapy even if condition appears improved.

Ophthalmic: For ophthalmic use only. Store at room temperature. Shake before using. Apply prescribed amount as often as directed. Wash hands before using and do not let tip of applicator touch eye or contaminate tip of applicator. Tilt head back and look upward. Gently pull down lower lid and put drop(s) in inner corner of eye. Close eye and roll eyeball in all directions. Do not blink for 1/2 minute. Apply gentle pressure to inner corner of eye for 30 seconds. Wipe away excess from skin around eye. Do not use any other eye preparation for at least 10 minutes. Do not touch tip of applicator to eye or contaminate tip of applicator. Do not share medication with anyone else. May cause sensitivity to bright light (dark glasses may help); temporary stinging or blurred vision may occur. Inform prescriber if you experience eye pain, redness, burning, watering, dryness, double vision, puffiness around eye, vision disturbances, or other adverse eye response; worsening of condition or lack of improvement within 3-4 days.

Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are pregnant. Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.


Nursing Implications

Assess whether patient can adequately instill drops or ointment


Dosage Forms

Lotion: 10% (59 mL, 85 mL)

Ointment, ophthalmic: 10% (3.5 g)

Solution, ophthalmic: 10% (1 mL, 2 mL, 2.5 mL, 5 mL, 15 mL); 15% (5 mL, 15 mL); 30% (15 mL)


References

Lohr JA, Austin RD, Grossman M, et al, "Comparison of Three Topical Antimicrobials for Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis," Pediatr Infect Dis J, 1988, 7(9):626-9.


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