Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic

• Sodium Sulfacetamide
• Sulamyd
• Sulfacetamide Sodium

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Ointment, Ophthalmic, as sodium:

Generic: 10% (3.5 g)

Solution, Ophthalmic, as sodium:

Bleph-10: 10% (5 mL)

Generic: 10% (5 mL, 15 mL)

• Antibiotic, Ophthalmic

Improvement of conjunctivitis is usually seen within 3 to 6 days

Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or any component of the formulation.

Documentation of allergenic cross-reactivity for sulfonamides is limited. However, because of similarities in chemical structure and/or pharmacologic actions, the possibility of cross-sensitivity cannot be ruled out with certainty.

Conjunctivitis, other superficial ocular infections, or trachoma: Infants ≥2 months, Children, and Adolescents: Ophthalmic: Refer to adult dosing.

• Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)

• Patient may experience burning or stinging. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of a severe sulfonamide reaction (rash; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes; fever, chills, or sore throat; cough that is new or worse; loss of strength and energy; any bruising or bleeding; or signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes), vision changes, eye pain, severe eye irritation, or eye discharge (HCAHPS).

• Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.

Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Sulfacetamide ophthalmic may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To use this medicine:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.

• Eye drops: Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop. Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.

• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

• Eye ointment: Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip. Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes.

• Use a tissue to wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes.

• After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube. Do not place the tip directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper or tube can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.

This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a new or worsening eye infection: eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when sulfacetamide is used in the eyes, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• confusion, feeling very irritable;

• rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection;

• easy bruising or bleeding;

• pale skin, flu-like symptoms; or

• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include mild eye redness or irritation, such as stinging or burning.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.