From the FDA Drug Label
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution USP, 10% is indicated 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.
INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION 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.
The primary use of Sulfacetamide, a sulfonamide antibiotic, is for the treatment of conjunctivitis and other superficial ocular infections due to susceptible microorganisms, and as an adjunctive in systemic sulfonamide therapy of trachoma 1 2.
- The susceptible microorganisms include:
- Escherichia coli
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Streptococcus (viridans group)
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Klebsiella species
- Enterobacter species
From the Research
Sulfacetamide is primarily used to treat bacterial eye and skin infections, and its effectiveness can be achieved with or without combination with other antibiotics, as evidenced by studies showing similar outcomes with and without sulfacetamide in combination therapies 3, 4.
Key Points
- Sulfacetamide works by inhibiting folic acid synthesis, which is necessary for bacterial growth.
- For eye infections, it is typically available as ophthalmic drops or ointment in a 10% concentration, with the usual dosage being 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 2-3 hours initially, then reducing frequency as the infection improves.
- Treatment duration generally ranges from 7-10 days for eye infections and 1-2 weeks for skin conditions, though patients should complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier.
- Common side effects include temporary burning or stinging upon application, local irritation, and occasionally allergic reactions.
- Sulfacetamide should not be used by individuals with known sulfa allergies as it may cause serious reactions, such as erythema multiforme 5.
Usage and Precautions
- Patients should avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface to prevent contamination and should wait at least 5 minutes between applying different eye medications.
- The effective antibacterial spectrum of sulfacetamide has been demonstrated in various studies, including one that showed it can inhibit the growth of all isolated bacterial strains 6.
- While sulfacetamide can be used to treat certain ocular infections, such as those caused by Nocardia, other antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and amikacin may also be effective 7.
Important Considerations
- The decision to use sulfacetamide should be based on the specific type of infection and the patient's medical history, including any known allergies to sulfa drugs.
- Patients should be monitored for signs of allergic reactions or other adverse effects, and the treatment regimen should be adjusted as needed to ensure optimal outcomes.