International generic name

Sulfacetamide

Drug form and composition

Solution, eye drops. One milliliter 20% solution contains 200 mg Sulfacetamide sodium.

Indications

Sulfacetamid is used in cases of: conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers and other eye infections caused by microorganisms, which are sensitive to sulfonamides. The drug can be used as a component of the complex treatment of trachoma.

Dosage and administration

Sulfacetamid, eye drops are used topically. In cases of conjunctival and corneal ulcerations, the dose is 1 - 2 drops administered in the lower conjunctival sack every 2 - 3 hours. In trachoma, the dose is 2 drops administered in the lower conjunctival sack every 2 hours and this is associated with the systemic treatment of the disease.

Contraindications

Sulfacetamid is not used in cases of hypersensitivity to the drug.

Special warnings and precautions

Sulfacetamid should be used only in infections caused by sensitive to the drug microorganisms. It is recommended before administration of the drug to perform microbiological examination with antibiogram of the organism isolated from the infected eye. Because of the possibility of cross-reactions, the drug is used with extreme caution in people with a history of drug allergy, especially to sulfonamides. Resistance to Sulfacetamid due to sulfonamide inactivation and alterations in the microorganism metabolism can be observed. The drug should be used with caution in pregnancy and lactation.

Drug interactions

There is a drug incompatibility in simultaneous administration of Sulfacetamid and silver containing drugs.

Adverse reactions

Sulfacetamid shows a very good tolerance by the eye mucosa, but local irritation with burning sensation and increased tear output is possible. Generally, these adverse reactions are transitory and do not necessitate discontinuation of the treatment course. In cases of persistence of the symptoms, the treatment should be stopped and the antibacterial drug must be changed.

Pharmacological mechanisms

Sulfacetamid exerts its antibacterial action against a great number of microorganisms by blocking the intracellular synthesis of the folic acid in the pathogenic microorganisms. Likewise most sulfonamides, Sulfacetamid has a bacteriostatic effect and it is effective in microorganisms in the stage of reproduction. The drug inhibits the activity of some enzymes, which catalyze metabolic and other processes in the microorganisms: cytochrome C, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, peroxidases, etc. Sulfacetamid belongs to the group of fast absorbable and fast-eliminated sulfonamides. Sulfacetamid possesses a wide bacteriostatic antibacterial spectrum: streptococci, meningococci, pneumococci, some species of staphylococci, gonococci, E. Coli, H. Influenzae, Klebsiella, Salmonella, etc. The activity against most staphylococci, enterococci, viruses, and clostridia is weak.

Supplied

Ampoules of 10 ml (200 mg/ml) solution and applicator.

Expiry

3 years.