SULFACETAMIDE SODIUM
(sul-fa-see'ta-mide)
AK-Sulf, Bleph 10, Cetamide, Isopto Cetamide, Ophthacet, Sebizon, Sodium Sulamyd, Sulf-10
SULFACETAMIDE SODIUM/SULFUR
Sulfacet, Rosula
Classifications: antiinfective; sulfonamide antibiotic
Prototype: Sulfisoxazole
Pregnancy Category: C

Availability

Sulfacetamide10% lotion; 1%, 10%, 15%, 30% solution; 10% ointment

Sulfacetamide/Sulfur10%/5% gel, lotion

Actions

Highly soluble sulfonamide that exerts bacteriostatic effect by interfering with bacterial utilization of PABA, thereby inhibiting folic acid biosynthesis required for bacterial growth.

Therapeutic Effects

Effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms.

Uses

Ophthalmic preparations are used for conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and other superficial ocular infections and as adjunct to systemic sulfonamide therapy for trachoma. The topical lotion is used for scaly dermatoses, seborrheic dermatitis, seborrhea sicca, and other bacterial skin infections.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or to any ingredients in the formulation. Pregnancy (category C).

Cautious Use

Application of lotion to denuded or debrided skin; lactation.

Route & Dosage

Conjunctivitis
Adult: Ophthalmic 1–3 drops of 10%, 15%, or 30% solution into lower conjunctival sac q2–3h, may increase interval as patient responds or use 1.5–2.5 cm (½–1 in) of 10% ointment q6h and at h.s.

Seborrhea, Rosacea
Adult: Topical Apply thin film to affected area 1–3 times per day

Administration

Instillation

Adverse Effects (1%)

Special Senses: Temporary stinging or burning sensation, retardation of corneal healing associated with long-term use of ophthalmic ointment. Body as a Whole: Hypersensitivity reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, lupus-like syndrome), superinfections with nonsusceptible organisms.

Interactions

Drug: Tetracaine and other local anesthetics derived from paba may antagonize the antibacterial effects of sulfonamides; silver preparations may precipitate sulfacetamide from solution.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption, but may be enough to cause sensitization. Metabolism: Metabolized in liver to inactive metabolites. Elimination: Excreted in urine.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

Patient & Family Education


Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug