Sulfacetamide Eye Drops

You must have heard a lot of times that eyes speak more than words. But sometimes, our eyes can also be the reason of irritation and pain! Eye infections can affect anyone. Most eye problems are caused by bacteria, fungus, viruses or other microbiological means. These pathogens can cause eye redness, itching, burning, and swelling. Some of the most common types of 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 organ is to maintain hygiene and prevent the 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. Sulfacetamide belongs to a drug known as sulfa antibiotics. It stops the growth of bacteria. This medication usually treats any types of bacterial eye infections. 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 find any difficulty in understanding the usage directions of this medication.

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 eye. Apply the drop gently in the inside corner of your eye for one minute to prevent the liquid from falling down your tear duct. For using more than one drop in the same eye or in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.
• Wearing contact lenses is not recommended while you are using this medication. Sterilize or dispose of the contact lenses according to manufacturer’s directions and check with your eye doctor before you begin using them again.
• The dosage of the medication is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. Your doctor may direct you to use this medication more often at first, then use it less frequently as the symptoms of Blepharitis improves.
• If you are using any other kind of eye medication like drops or ointments, wait for at least five minutes before applying other medications.
• Use this Sulfacetamide eye drop regularly in order 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 time to recover from this condition. Stop using 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. If any of these problems persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
• 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 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 had an allergic reaction to any sulfa-based drug.
• It is not known whether the eye drop will harm an unborn baby. But 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.