Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic

What is sulfacetamide ophthalmic?

Sulfacetamide ophthalmic is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial eye infections. It is useful in infections that are not susceptible to other antibiotics.

Sulfacetamide ophthalmic is used off-label in all species of animals; however, it is a type of sulfonamide antibiotic, and as such, its use is restricted in food animals, particularly dairy cattle.

There are no veterinary formulations available. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. 

“Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.

How do I give my pet sulfacetamide ophthalmic?

• Sulfacetamide ophthalmic comes in a liquid drop format or ointment to be instilled directly to the eye (topically).
• Follow your veterinarian’s instructions and give this medication exactly as directed.
• Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.
• Do not allow anything to touch the dropper tip, including your hands, to avoid contamination.
• Gently wipe any medication residue from your pet’s face with a damp cloth.
• Wait 5 minutes after applying this medicine before applying any other medicines to the eye.
• If you are allergic to sulfa drugs, wear gloves when handling this medication and avoid coming in contact with the medication.

This medication should take effect within 1–2 hours and improvement in clinical signs should follow within 1–2 days.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

Are there any potential side effects from sulfacetamide ophthalmic?

Sulfacetamide ophthalmic may cause the following side effects:

• Mild burning, stinging, irritation, or redness of the eyes

Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug may occur without warning and could, in rare cases, lead to death. If any of the following signs develop, stop giving sulfacetamide ophthalmic and contact your veterinarian immediately:

• Signs of an allergy to this medication: labored or noisy breathing or swelling of the throat
• Weakness or tiredness
• Skin rash
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea
• Increased squinting or mucus discharge from the eye (this medication has been associated with the development of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, known as dry eye)

Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

DO NOT USE sulfacetamide ophthalmic in:

• Pets with a hypersensitivity or allergy to this medication
• Pets with dry eye (keratoconjunctiva sicca)

DO NOT USE combination sulfacetamide products containing prednisolone in:

• Pets with corneal infections due to bacterial, viral, or fungal organisms

USE WITH CAUTION in:

• Pets with blood problems
• Pets that are pregnant or nursing

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

The following medications should be used with caution when given with sulfacetamide ophthalmic:

• Calcium channel blockers
• Cimetidine
• Erythromycin
• Fluconazole
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole

Certain medications may interact with sulfacetamide ophthalmic, so it is important to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

• Tests to evaluate the tear production of the eye are recommended before and during treatment to ensure dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is not developing due to this medication.
• Monitor for clinical signs of dry eye, such as the production of thick ocular discharge, eye redness and squinting.
• At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any occur, stop using the medication and contact your veterinarian.
• Your veterinarian will let you know when and how they want to reassess your pet to ensure the medication is working and not causing side effects.

How do I store sulfacetamide ophthalmic?

• Store this product at controlled room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Protect from moisture, light and heat.
• Do not freeze. Store upright and tightly closed in the original bottle.
• Keep the cap on the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Keep the container out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet’s weight and symptoms.