Sulfacetamide

Sulfacetamide Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Sulfacetamide is a brand name. Its generic name is Sulfacetamide.

Sulfacetamide

Sulfacetamide is an antibiotic belonging to the sulfonamide group. It is bacteriostatic, which means it interferes with the growth of bacteria instead of killing them outright. It is used for an array of skin infections, including acne and skin inflammation related to allergies or contact dermatitis.

Uses For

Sulfacetamide is used in the topical treatment of bacterial infections, such as:

• Acne vulgaris
• Rhinophyma
• Demodicosis
• Kerion
• Impetigo
• Seborrheic dermatitis

Mechanism of Action

Sulfacetamide works by inhibiting bacterial growth. It does this by blocking the production of folate as a byproduct of its metabolism, which lawfully kills the bacteria.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

How quickly sulfacetamide works depends on activity and the severity of the infection. Generally, results can be expected within 48 to 72 hours after beginning treatment.

Absorption

Sulfacetamide is rapidly and completely absorbed from topical applications, reaching fairly high concentrations in the epidermis, dermis and sebaceous glands.

Route of Elimination

Sulfacetamide is metabolized in the liver to sulfamethazine and 5-aminosulfosalicylic acid (5-ASA). Both compounds are eliminated in the urine.

Dosage

Sulfacetamide is available as an ointment and solution (10%) for topical treatments. Ages 12 years and up should use 10% solution by applying it directly to the affected area 1-2 time a day. For ages 2-12, the dosage of 10% solution should not exceed 2 grams each day, again, 1-2 times a day.

Administration

Sulfacetamide is applied topically directly to the affected area. It can be applied twice a day up to a maximum of two grams each day.

Side Effects

Sulfacetamide can cause a few common side effects, including burning, itching, irritation, redness, dryness, and peeling. In more severe cases, it can also lead to hyperpigmentation, contact dermatitis, sensitization, rosacea-like eruptions, and more serious forms of skin infection.

Toxicity

Sulfacetamide is usually well tolerated but can be toxic if it is used to excess. Symptoms of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, dehydration, confusion, drowsiness, rashes, and difficulty breathing.

Precaution

Patients with allergies to sulfonamides should not use sulfacetamide. Additionally, it should not be used on severely burned areas or on areas with large amounts of hair because it can lead to burning and irritation. In rare cases, it can lead to anaphylaxis so medical attention should be sought if there is any sign of allergy.

Interaction

Sulfacetamide can interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking before starting treatment.

Disease Interaction

Sulfacetamide can interact with a variety of underlying health conditions, so it is important to inform your doctor of a preexistent medical conditions before beginning treatment.

Drug Interaction

Sulfacetamide can interact with a variety of medications, supplement, and herbal products. It is recommended to inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking, including non-prescription medications.

Food Interactions

Sulfacetamide does not interact with food, however it is important to check with your doctor before taking any supplement or other product.

Pregnancy Use

Sulfacetamide should not be used by pregnant women unless instructed otherwise by a physician as it has the potential to cause harm to a fetus.

Lactation Use

Sulfacetamide should not be used by breastfeeding women as it has the potential to be passed in breast milk.

Acute Overdose

In the case of an acute overdose, medical attention should be sought immediately and monitored for symptoms of toxicity. Symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, dehydration, confusion, drowsiness, rashes, and difficulty breathing.

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or any component, presence of facial infection or forming abscess. Also, should not be used on severe burns or on areas with a large amount of hair.

Use Direction

Sulfacetamide should be applied topically directly to the affected area. Use only as directed and do not use more than two grams daily.

Storage Condition

Store Sulfacetamide at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Volume of Distribution

Unknown

Half Life

Unknown

Clearance

Unknown

Here you find in details version of Sulfacetamide

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Sulfacetamide

What is Sulfacetamide?

Sulfacetamide is an antibacterial sulfonamide antibiotic. It is commonly used to treat bacterial eye infections.

How does Sulfacetamide work?

Sulfacetamide works by interfering with the production of essential proteins which are needed by bacteria in order to survive, thus killing them.

Who should not take Sulfacetamide?

Sulfacetamide should not be taken by those who are allergic to sulfa drugs, or by those who have kidney disease.

What are the side effects of Sulfacetamide?

Possible side effects of Sulfacetamide include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, skin rash, hives, dizziness, and headache.

What are some drug interactions of Sulfacetamide ?

Sulfacetamide may interact with other medications such as warfarin, methotrexate, probenecid, and some antibiotics. It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications before taking Sulfacetamide.

What are the possible effects of an overdose of Sulfacetamide?

Possible effects of an overdose of Sulfacetamide include seizures, dehydration, damage to kidneys, and difficulty breathing. If you think you have taken too much Sulfacetamide, contact your doctor or local poison control center immediately.

Is Sulfacetamide safe to use during pregnancy?

Sulfacetamide is in pregnancy category B, meaning it has not been shown to cause harm to the baby in animal or human studies. However, it is important to consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.

Can I take Sulfacetamide with alcohol?

It is not recommended to take Sulfacetamide with alcohol, as it may increase the risk of certain side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Can I use Sulfacetamide to treat bacterial infections in other parts of the body?

Sulfacetamide is not typically used to treat infections in other parts of the body, since it is generally prescribed for use in the eye only. However, it is important to check with your doctor before using Sulfacetamide for anything other than what it has been specifically prescribed for.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Sulfacetamide?

If you miss a dose of Sulfacetamide, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double up on doses.

Can children take Sulfacetamide?

Sulfacetamide is generally not prescribed for children because it has not been studied in this population. It is important to consult your doctor before giving Sulfacetamide to a child.

What is the recommended dosage of Sulfacetamide?

The recommended dosage of Sulfacetamide is typically 1% solution applied to the affected eye 2-4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not exceed the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

How long should I take Sulfacetamide?

Most courses of treatment with Sulfacetamide are for no more than a few days. However, it is important to take as many doses as prescribed for complete effectiveness. If you miss a dose or feel that your symptoms are not improving, consult your doctor.

Can I use regular eye drops while using Sulfacetamide?

No, it is not recommended to use regular eye drops while taking Sulfacetamide. Consult your doctor before using any other eye medications while taking Sulfacetamide.

Can I take other medications while using Sulfacetamide?

It is important to tell your doctor about any other medications that you are taking, even over-the-counter medications. Certain medications may interact with Sulfacetamide and cause unwanted side effects.

Will Sulfacetamide treat a stye?

Yes, Sulfacetamide is commonly used to treat bacterial infections including styes.

Is Sulfacetamide available over-the-counter?

No, Sulfacetamide is only available with a prescription from your doctor.

Can Sulfacetamide be used to treat a viral eye infection?

No, Sulfacetamide is not effective in treating viral eye infections. Consult your doctor if you think you may have a viral eye infection.

Should I take Sulfacetamide with food?

No, since Sulfacetamide is an eye drop, it does not need to be taken with food or any other medication.

How long does it take for Sulfacetamide to work?

It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days for Sulfacetamide to work. However, it is important to take the medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Can I wear contact lenses while using Sulfacetamide?

No, it is not recommended to wear contact lenses while using Sulfacetamide. Wait until finish the course of treatment and, if prescribed, switch to soft lenses instead of hard lenses.

Is Sulfacetamide a steroid?

No, Sulfacetamide is not a steroid. It is an antibacterial sulfonamide antibiotic.

Can Sulfacetamide be used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis?

Yes, Sulfacetamide is effective in treating bacterial conjunctivitis.

If I stop taking Sulfacetamide, will my infection come back?

Yes, it is important to take all of the medication prescribed by your doctor for the full duration of treatment in order to ensure the infection does not come back.

Does Sulfacetamide have any effect on the liver?

Sulfacetamide has been known to cause liver damage in rare cases. It is important to tell your doctor if you have pre-existing liver disease before taking Sulfacetamide.

Is Sulfacetamide effective in treating corneal ulcers?

Yes, Sulfacetamide is effective in treating corneal ulcers.

Are there any alternatives to Sulfacetamide?

Yes, other antibiotics such as bacitracin or gentamicin may be prescribed instead of Sulfacetamide, depending on your infection. It is important to consult your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

Can Sulfacetamide be used to treat pink eye?

Yes, Sulfacetamide is an effective treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye.

Can Sulfacetamide be used to treat all types of eye infections?

No, Sulfacetamide is only effective in treating certain bacterial eye infections such as pink eye or styes. It is important to consult your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

Is Sulfacetamide safe to use with contact lenses?

It is not recommended to use Sulfacetamide with contact lenses. Remove lenses before applying the eye drops, and then wait at least 15 minutes before putting your contacts back in.

What should I do if I experience side effects while taking Sulfacetamide?

It is important to tell your doctor if you are experiencing any side effects while taking Sulfacetamide. Do not stop taking the medication unless instructed by your doctor.

Can Sulfacetamide be used to treat glaucoma?

No, Sulfacetamide is not effective in treating glaucoma.

Can Sulfacetamide be used to treat a staph infection of the eye?

Yes, Sulfacetamide is effective in treating certain infections caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.

Should I take Sulfacetamide with food or on an empty stomach?

Since Sulfacetamide is an eye drop, it does not need to be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

Can Sulfacetamide be used to treat blepharitis?

Yes, Sulfacetamide is effective in treating infections of the eyelid caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus including blepharitis.

Can I use Sulfacetamide if I have an allergy to sulfa drugs?

No, Sulfacetamide contains sulfa drugs and may cause an allergic reaction. Do not use this medication if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs.

Can Sulfacetamide cause blurred vision?

Yes, blurred vision is a possible side effect of Sulfacetamide. Contact your doctor if you experience this side effect while taking Sulfacetamide.

Can Sulfacetamide be used to treat an eye infection that has spread to other parts of the body?

No, Sulfacetamide is not effective in treating infections that have spread to other parts of the body. Consult your doctor if you think the infection has spread.

What should I do if I get Sulfacetamide in my mouth or nose?

If you get Sulfacetamide in your mouth or nose, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention immediately.

What should I do if my symptoms do not improve while taking Sulfacetamide?

It is important to take the medication as prescribed by your doctor. If your symptoms do not improve after taking Sulfacetamide, consult your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

Can Sulfacetamide be used to treat fungal eye infections?

No, Sulfacetamide is not effective in treating fungal eye infections. Consult your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

Does Sulfacetamide cause dry eyes?

Yes, dry eyes is a possible side effect of Sulfacetamide. Contact your doctor if you experience dry eyes while taking Sulfacetamide.