Sodium Sulfacetamide

Uses

Sodium Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution is used for the treatment of conjunctivitis and other superficial ocular infections due to susceptible microorganisms, and as an adjunctive in systemic sulfonamide therapy of trachoma: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus (viridans group), Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella species, and Enterobacter species.

Topically applied sulfonamides do not provide adequate coverage against Neisseria species, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A significant percentage of staphylococcal isolates are completely resistant to sulfa drugs.

Sodium Sulfacetamide is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acne Vulgaris, Conjunctivitis, Trachoma, Superficial ocular infections

How Sodium Sulfacetamide works

Sodium Sulfacetamide is a competitive inhibitor of bacterial para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), an essential component for bacterial growth (according to the Woods-Fildes theory). The inhibited reaction is necessary in these organisms for the synthesis of folic acid.

Dosage

Sodium Sulfacetamide dosage

For conjunctivitis and other superficial ocular infections: Instill one or two drops into the conjunctival sac(s) of the affected eye(s) every two to three hours initially. Dosages may be tapered by increasing the time interval between doses as the condition responds. The usual duration of treatment is seven to ten days.

For trachoma: Instill two drops into the conjunctival sac(s) of the affected eye(s) every two hours. Topical administration must be accompanied by systemic administration.

Side Effects

Bacterial and fungal corneal ulcers have developed during treatment with sulfonamide ophthalmic preparations. The most frequently reported reactions are local irritation, stinging and burning. Less commonly reported reactions include non-specific conjunctivitis, conjunctival hyperemia, secondary infections and allergic reactions.

Fatalities have occurred, although rarely, due to severe reactions to sulfonamides including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, fulminant hepatic necrosis, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and other blood dyscrasias

Toxicity

Oral LD₅₀ Mouse : 16500 mg/kg. Side effects include moderate to severe erythema (redness) and moderate edema (raised kin), nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and tiredness. Higher exposure causes unconsciousness.

Precaution

Prolonged use of topical anti-bacterial agents may give rise to overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi. Bacterial resistance to sulfonamides may also develop.

The effectiveness of sulfonamides may be reduced by the para-aminobenzoic acid present in purulent exudates.

Sensitization may recur when a sulfonamide is readministered irrespective of the route of administration, and cross-sensitivity between different sulfonamides may occur.

At the first sign of hypersensitivity, increase in purulent discharge, or aggravation of inflammation or pain, the patient should discontinue use of the medication and consult a physician

Interaction

Sodium Sulfacetamide preparations are incompatible with silver preparations.

Food Interaction

Half Life

7-12.8 hours

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with sulfonamide ophthalmic preparations. Kernicterus may occur in the newborn as a result of treatment of a pregnant woman at term with orally administered sulfonamides. There are no adequate and well controlled studies of sulfonamide ophthalmic preparations in pregnant women and it is not known whether topically applied sulfonamides can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Sodium Sulfacetamide sodium should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing mothers: Systemically administered sulfonamides are capable of producing kernicterus in infants of lactating women. Because of the potential for the development of kernicterus in neonates, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Contraindication

Sodium Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution is contraindicated in individuals who have a hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or to any ingredient of the preparation.

Special Warning

Pediatric use: Safety and effectiveness in infants below the age of two months have not been established.

Storage Condition

Store below 25° C.

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