Sulfacetamide Eye Drops

by Marie | May 19, 2017 | Eye Care | 0 comments

You must have often heard that eyes speak more than words. But sometimes, our eyes can also be the reason for irritation and pain! Eye infections can affect anyone. Bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other microbiological means cause most eye problems. These pathogens can cause eye redness, itching, burning, and swelling. Most common eye problems include conjunctivitis, bacterial keratitis, and Blepharitis. Symptoms of Blepharitis include swelling and redness in the eyes, blurred vision, itchy eyes, watery eyes, etc.

No matter what causes Blepharitis, the best way to protect our most precious organs is to maintain hygiene and prevent bacteria and fungi from penetrating our bodies. Blepharitis is among the most common and most annoying conditions for patients. Swollen eyelids, Itchiness and a sensation of burning in the eyes make patients miserable, these problems usually indicate bilateral Blepharitis. People with Blepharitis may present with watering, crusting, eyelash changes, photophobia, pain, and vision changes. The symptoms usually worsen in the morning, after a night of closed eyes has kept eyelids in contact with the ocular surface.

Treat Blepharitis with Sulfacetamide Eye Drops

Sulfacetamide is a medication commonly used to treat Blepharitis. It belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfa antibiotics. It stops the growth of bacteria. This medication usually treats any bacterial eye infection. Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness. Use this eyedrop or its ointment as directed by your eye specialist. Ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor if you have difficulty understanding the directions for this medication’s usage.

Wash your hands properly before using Sulfacetamide eye drops. To apply the eye drops:

Shake the bottle gently to be sure the medicine is well-mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid. Now position the eyedropper above your eye and look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out two drops of Sulfacetamide and close your eyes. Apply the drop gently in the inside corner of your eye for one minute to prevent the liquid from falling into your tear duct. To use more than one drop in the same eye or both eyes, repeat the process for about 5 minutes between drops.
Wearing contact lenses while you are using this medication is not recommended. Sterilize or dispose of the lenses according to the manufacturer’s directions, and check with your eye doctor before you begin using them again.
The medication dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to use this medication more often at first, then less frequently, as your symptoms of Blepharitis improve.
If you use any other kind of eye medication, like drops or ointments, wait at least five minutes before applying other medications.
Use this Sulfacetamide eye drop regularly to get the most benefit from it.
Continue using this medication until the time it is prescribed to you. Usually, it takes 8 to 10 days to recover from this condition. Stopping the medication too soon may decrease its effects.
Consult with your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Common Side Effects of Sulfacetamide Eye Drop

Eye stinging, burning, redness, and temporary blurred vision may occur. Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these problems persist or worsen.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed you this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not experience serious side effects.
Any serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Contraindications

Do not use Sulfacetamide ophthalmic if you have any viral or fungal infection in your eye.
Do not use the formulation if you have ever been allergic to any sulfa-based drug.
It is not known whether the eye drop will harm an unborn baby. However, it is not recommended to use during pregnancy without first consulting with your doctor.
It is also not known whether sulfacetamide ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use sulfacetamide ophthalmic solution without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.