sulfonamide

Class Name: sulfonamide (Ophthalmic route)

Commonly used brand name(s):

In the U.S.

• Bleph-10
• Ocu-Sul
• S.O.S.S.
• Sodium Sulamyd
• Sulf-10

In Canada

• Ak-Sulf
• Isopto Cetamide
• Metimyd
• Ophtho-Sulf
• Pms-Sulfacetamide Sodium
• Sulfacetamide Sodium
• Sulfex

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution
• Ointment

Uses For This Medicine

Sulfonamides, or sulfa medicines, belong to the family of medicines called anti-infectives. Sulfonamide ophthalmic preparations are used to treat infections of the eye.

Sulfonamides are available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using This Medicine

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on sulfonamide ophthalmic preparations have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of sulfonamides in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Pregnancy

Sulfonamide ophthalmic preparations have not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast Feeding

Sulfonamide ophthalmic preparations have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Interactions with Medicines

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper Use of This Medicine

For patients using the eye drop form of sulfonamides:

• The bottle is only partially full to provide proper drop control.
• To use:
  • First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
  • If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.
  • To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

For patients using the eye ointment form of sulfonamides:

• To use:
  • First, wash your hands. Then pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into the pouch. A 1.25- to 2.5-cm (approximately ½- to 1-inch) strip of ointment is usually enough unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Gently close the eyes and keep them closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
  • To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). After using sulfonamides eye ointment, wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue and keep the tube tightly closed.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For sulfacetamide
• For eye infections:
  • For ophthalmic dosage forms (ointment):
    • Adults and adolescents—Use four times a day and at bedtime.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For ophthalmic dosage forms (solution):
    • Adults and adolescents—One drop every one to three hours during the day and less often during the night.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

• For sulfisoxazole
• For eye infections:
  • For ophthalmic dosage forms (ointment):
    • Adults and children—Use one to three times a day and at bedtime.
  • For ophthalmic dosage forms (solution):
    • Adults and adolescents—One drop three or more times a day.
    • Children—
      • Infants and children 2 months of age and older: One drop three or more times a day.
      • Infants up to 2 months of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

After application, eye ointments usually cause your vision to blur for a few minutes.

After application of this medicine to the eye, occasional stinging or burning may be expected.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Itching, redness, swelling, or other sign of irritation not present before use of this medicine

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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