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Sulfacetamide |
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What is Sulfacetamide and why is it prescribed? Sulfacetamide is used in the treatment of eye inflammations, corneal ulcer, and other eye infections. It may be used along with an oral sulfa drug to treat a serious eye infection called trachoma. Sulfacetamide is similar to oral sulfa drugs such as Bactrim, Gantanol, and Gantrisin. If you are allergic to any of these medications, you may also be allergic to Sulfacetamide. In addition, if you have taken one of these medications in the past, you may have developed a "hidden" allergy to sulfa drugs that might show up when you take Sulfacetamide. Be alert for a rash, itching, or other signs of allergy. If any of these symptoms develop, stop taking Sulfacetamide immediately and consult your doctor. How should you take Sulfacetamide? Follow your doctors directions for taking Sulfacetamide. Sulfacetamide is available in eyedrop and ointment form. Use it exactly as prescribed. Your doctor may tell you to use both the eye drops and the ointment. To apply Sulfacetamide, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pouch, then squeeze in the medication. To avoid contaminating the eye drops or the ointment, do not touch your eye with the dropper bottle or the tip of the tube. Keep the dropper bottle or tube poised slightly above your eye as you instill the drops or squeeze out the ointment. If you miss a dose apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Store Sulfacetamide at room temperature. Protect the ointment from excessive heat. Are there any Sulfacetamide side effects? Sulfacetamide side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Sulfacetamide may irritate your eye, causing stinging and burning. The irritation usually lasts only a short time. If it is very painful or lasts for a long time, you may have to stop using Sulfacetamide. In rare cases, people using Sulfacetamide have developed a severe blistering skin rash. Be alert for skin reactions. If a rash appears, stop using Sulfacetamide and call your doctor. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Sulfacetamide? If Sulfacetamide is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Sulfacetamide should not be used with medications containing silver. Check with your doctor if you are unsure of any medications you are taking. Are there any special warnings about Sulfacetamide? Stay in close touch with your doctor while using Sulfacetamide. In some cases, an eye ointment may actually delay healing of the cornea. If you have a pus-producing eye infection, the pus may inactivate Sulfacetamide. Since sulfa drugs do not kill fungi, it is possible to develop a fungus infection in your eye while using Sulfacetamide. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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