sulfacetamide sodium (redirected from AK-Sulf)

sulfacetamide sodium (ophthalmic),

n brand names: Bleph-10, Cetamide, Isopto Cetamide;
drug class: antibacterial sulfonamide;
action: inhibits folic acid synthesis by preventing paraaminobenzoic acid (PABA) use, which is necessary for bacterial growth;
uses: treatment of conjunctivitis, superficial eye infections, and corneal ulcers.

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sulfacetamide sodium 

An anti-infective, bacteriostatic drug of the sulfonamide family, used topically against infections and injuries, as well as minor abrasions, of the conjunctiva and cornea. It should not be used immediately following a local anaesthetic. However, antibiotics (e.g. bacitracin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamicin, neomycin, norfloxacin, polymyxin B, tetracycline, tobramycin), which inhibit or destroy a wide range of microorganisms are used more commonly than local sulfonamides. See antibiotic; antifungal agent; antiinflammatory drug; bacteriostatic; sulfonamide.

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sulfacetamide sodium

AK-Sulf, Bleph-10, Klaron, Ocu-Sul 10, Ocu-Sul 15, Ocu-Sul 30, Ovace, Ovace Wash

Pharmacologic class: Sulfonamide

Therapeutic class: Anti-infective

Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Inhibits bacterial synthesis of folic acid by preventing condensation of pteridine with aminobenzoic acid through competitive inhibition of dihydropteroate synthetase

Availability

Lotion: 10% in 2-oz and 4-oz bottles

Ointment: 10% in 5-g tubes

Ophthalmic solution: 10%, 15%, and 30% in 5-ml and 15-ml dropper bottles

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Acne vulgaris

Adults and children ages 12 and older: Apply thin film topically to affected areas b.i.d.

➣ Superficial ocular infections (including conjunctivitis)

Adults and children ages 2 months and older: Initially, apply one to two drops of ophthalmic solution into conjunctival sac of affected eye q 2 to 3 hours, or apply approximately ½" ribbon of ophthalmic ointment into conjunctival sacs of affected eye q 3 to 4 hours and at bedtime. Taper by increasing dosing intervals as condition responds. Usual duration is 7 to 10 days.

➣ Adjunct in trachoma

Adults: Apply two drops of ophthalmic solution into conjunctival sac of affected eye q 2 hours; must be accompanied by systemic sulfonamide therapy.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug or other sulfonamides

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• sulfite allergy
• dry eye syndrome.

Administration

• To avoid contamination, don't touch container tip to eye, eyelid, or any other surface.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
Ophth., topical	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown

Adverse reactions

EENT: conjunctival hyperemia, eye burning, stinging, tearing (ophthalmic form)

Skin: local irritation, erythema, itching and edema (topical form), photosensitivity reaction

Other: secondary infections

Interactions

Drug-drug. Porfimer: increased severity of photosensitivity reaction, leading to excessive tissue damage

Silver preparations: precipitation

Patient monitoring

• Monitor patient for drug efficacy. Know that drug may be inactivated by purulent exudate.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient to apply a thin film of lotion to affected areas, as prescribed.
• Teach patient how to apply ophthalmic form. Instruct him to always wash hands first and to clean eye area of discharge by wiping from inner to outer area before applying.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs mentioned above.