Sulfacetamide is a drug to overcome bacterial infections in the eye. Sulfacetamide belongs to the group of sulfonamide antibiotic drugs and can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
Sulfacetamide works by preventing the growth of bacteria that cause infections in the eye. This drug is available in the form of eye drops and can be found in combination with other drugs. Be aware that sulfacetamide cannot treat eye infections caused by viruses or fungi.
Sulfacetamide trademark: Sulfacetamide
What is Sulfacetamide
| Group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Sulfonamide antibiotics |
| Benefits | Treating bacterial infections in the eye |
| Used by | Adults |
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Sulfacetamide for pregnant and lactating women
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Category C: Studies on experimental animals show side effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies on pregnant women.
Medicines can only be used if the magnitude of the expected benefit exceeds the magnitude of the risk to the fetus. It is not yet known whether sulfacetamide can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without first consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Eye drops |
Precautions Before Using Sulfacetamide
There are several things you need to pay attention to before using sulfacetamide, namely:
- Do not use sulfacetamide if you have an allergy to this drug or other sulfonamide antibiotic drugs. Tell your doctor about your allergy history.
- Tell your doctor if you have recently had an eye injury or surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma, G6PD deficiency , porphyria, kidney disease, or liver disease .
- Do not immediately drive or do other demanding activities after using sulfacetamide, because this medicine can cause blurred vision.
- Inform the doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
- Inform the doctor if you are taking certain drugs, supplements, or herbal products, to anticipate the occurrence of drug interactions.
- See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction , or overdose, after using sulfacetamide.
Dosage and Administration of Sulfacetamide
The general dose of sulfacetamide to overcome bacterial infection in the eye is 1-2 drops in the infected eye, every 2-3 hours. The duration of treatment is 7–10 days.
How to Use Sulfacetamide Correctly
Follow the doctor 's advice and read the information on the eye drops packaging before starting to use sulfacetamide. Do not reduce or increase the dose without first consulting a doctor.
When using sulfacetamide, remove contact lenses and make sure your eye area and hands are clean to avoid contamination.
Raise your head and pull the lower eyelid, then press the packaging bottle until the medicine drips into the lower eye. Close your eyes for 2-3 minutes with your head down.
Press the corner of the eye (near the nose) slowly for about 1 minute to avoid the medicine flowing out. Do not blink or rub your eyes when using the eye drops.
If you are undergoing treatment with other ophthalmic drugs, give a pause of at least 10 minutes between the use of sulfacetamide and other drugs. If you need to wear contact lenses, wear them 15 minutes after using the medicine.
If you forget to use sulfacetamide, use it immediately so remember if the break with the next schedule is not too close. When it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.
Store sulfacetamide in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
Interactions of Sulfacetamide with Other Drugs
Sulfacetamide can cause drug interactions if used with other drugs. The effectiveness of sulfacetamide can be reduced if used together with drugs containing para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and procaine-type local anesthetics.
Side Effects and Dangers of Sulfacetamide
Some of the side effects that can arise after using sulfacetamide include:
- Blurred vision
- Burning or itching in the eyes
- Redness in the eyes
Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside or worsen. Although rare, sulfacetamide eye drops can be absorbed into the body and cause serious side effects, such as:
- Pain or swelling in the joints
- Rash on nose and cheeks
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Symptoms of infection, which can be marked by a sore throat that does not go away or a fever
- Symptoms of anemia , which can be marked by unusual fatigue, rapid breathing, or rapid heart rate
- Symptoms of liver disorders, which can be marked by nausea, dark colored urine, jaundice , stomach pain, or vomiting
In addition, long-term use of sulfacetamide can cause other types of eye infections, such as fungal infections. Go to the doctor immediately if the symptoms in the eyes get worse, such as pain, swelling, or pus.
You should also see a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction after using sulfacetamide.