Drug Detail:Sulfacetamide ophthalmic (Sulfacetamide ophthalmic [ sul-fa-seet-a-mide-off-thal-mik ])
Drug Class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives
Usual Adult Dose for Ocular Infection
Ointment: Apply a small amount (about 1/2 inch ribbon) into the conjunctival sac(s) of the infected eye(s) every 3 to 4 hours and at bedtime.
Solution: Instill 1 to 2 drops into the conjunctival sac(s) of the affected eye(s) every 2 to 3 hours initially.
Duration of therapy: 7 to 10 days
Comments:
- As the condition responds, may taper by increasing the time interval between doses
- May use the ointment as adjunct to the solution
Uses: For the treatment of conjunctivitis and other superficial ocular infections due to susceptible Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus (viridans group), Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species
Usual Adult Dose for Conjunctivitis
Ointment: Apply a small amount (about 1/2 inch ribbon) into the conjunctival sac(s) of the infected eye(s) every 3 to 4 hours and at bedtime.
Solution: Instill 1 to 2 drops into the conjunctival sac(s) of the affected eye(s) every 2 to 3 hours initially.
Duration of therapy: 7 to 10 days
Comments:
- As the condition responds, may taper by increasing the time interval between doses
- May use the ointment as adjunct to the solution
Uses: For the treatment of conjunctivitis and other superficial ocular infections due to susceptible Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus (viridans group), Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species
Usual Adult Dose for Trachoma
Solution: Instill 2 drops into the conjunctival sac(s) of the affected eye(s) every 2 hours.
Comments: For use with systemic therapy
Use: As an adjunct to systemic sulfonamide therapy of trachoma
Usual Pediatric Dose for Ocular Infection
2 months or older:
- Ointment: Apply a small amount (about 1/2 inch ribbon) into the conjunctival sac(s) of the infected eye(s) every 3 to 4 hours and at bedtime.
- Solution: Instill 1 to 2 drops into the conjunctival sac(s) of the infected eye(s) every 2 to 3 hours initially.
Duration of therapy: 7 to 10 days
Comments:
- As the condition responds, may taper by increasing the time interval between doses
- May use the ointment as adjunct to the solution
Uses: For the treatment of conjunctivitis and other superficial ocular infections due to susceptible E coli, S aureus, S pneumoniae, Streptococcus (viridans group), H influenzae, Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species
Usual Pediatric Dose for Conjunctivitis
2 months or older:
- Ointment: Apply a small amount (about 1/2 inch ribbon) into the conjunctival sac(s) of the infected eye(s) every 3 to 4 hours and at bedtime.
- Solution: Instill 1 to 2 drops into the conjunctival sac(s) of the infected eye(s) every 2 to 3 hours initially.
Duration of therapy: 7 to 10 days
Comments:
- As the condition responds, may taper by increasing the time interval between doses
- May use the ointment as adjunct to the solution
Uses: For the treatment of conjunctivitis and other superficial ocular infections due to susceptible E coli, S aureus, S pneumoniae, Streptococcus (viridans group), H influenzae, Klebsiella species, Enterobacter species
Usual Pediatric Dose for Trachoma
2 months or older:
- Solution: Instill 2 drops into the conjunctival sac(s) of the affected eye(s) every 2 hours.
Comments: For use with systemic therapy
Use: As an adjunct to systemic sulfonamide therapy of trachoma
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 2 months.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Storage requirements:
- Ointment: Store at 20C to 25C (68F to 77F).
- Solution: Store at 8C to 25C (46F to 77F); protect from light.
General:
- Topically applied sulfonamides provide insufficient coverage against Neisseria species, Serratia marcescens, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- A significant percentage of staphylococcal isolates are completely resistant to sulfa drugs.
- Sulfonamide solution color will darken over time and should be discarded.
Patient advice:
- Avoid contaminating the applicator tip through contact with the eye, eyelid, or any other surface.
- Discontinue therapy and contact physician at first sign of hypersensitivity, if purulent discharge increases, or if inflammation/pain worsens.