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Overview: Sulfacetamide ophthalmic is an antibiotic used to treat eye infections caused by certain bacteria. It works by stopping bacteria from growing. Common side effects include stinging or burning and eye irritation. Serious side effects are rare, but may include infections with other germs and severe allergic reactions. It comes as an eye drop and an eye ointment. Contact your healthcare provider if your eye infection does not improve with use.

Uses

What is sulfacetamide ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Sulfacetamide ophthalmic is commonly used to treat eye infections affecting the surface of the eye, such as conjunctivitis and trachoma, caused by certain bacteria. 

Sulfacetamide ophthalmic may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Some bacteria may have developed resistance to sulfacetamide, which will make it less effective.

Sulfacetamide ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Sulfacetamide is also available in a topical form that is applied to the skin. See Sulfacetamide topical for more information. 

How does sulfacetamide ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Sulfacetamide ophthalmic blocks bacteria from making dihydrofolic acid (similar to folic acid), which can stop certain bacteria from growing.

How is sulfacetamide ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Bleph 10
  • Sodium Sulamyd

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 10% ophthalmic ointment
  • 10% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store sulfacetamide ophthalmic?

Eye Drops. Sulfacetamide ophthalmic drops should be stored at temperatures between 36 F to 77 F (2 C to 25 C). Sulfacetamide ophthalmic solution may darken over time and should be thrown away if this happens.

Eye Ointment. Sulfacetamide ophthalmic ointment should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of sulfacetamide ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of sulfacetamide ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Stinging or burning
  • Eye irritation or redness

There may be other side effects of sulfacetamide ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of sulfacetamide ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of sulfacetamide ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sulfacetamide ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using sulfacetamide ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Skin Reactions. Sulfacetamide ophthalmic may cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop sulfacetamide ophthalmic and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful, peeling skin that may look red, purple, or discolored
  • Flat rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using sulfacetamide ophthalmic. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (jaundice)

Blood Disorders. Sulfacetamide ophthalmic may cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Stop using sulfacetamide ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Another Infection. Using sulfacetamide ophthalmic may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your healthcare provider if your eye infection does not improve or if the following symptoms of an eye infection come back or get worse.

  • Pink or itchy eye
  • Blurry vision
  • Eye discharge or crusting
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Fever

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use sulfacetamide ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use sulfacetamide ophthalmic.

  • Sulfacetamide
  • Bleph 10
  • Sodium Sulamyd
  • Any other sulfonamides, also known as sulfa medicines
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sulfacetamide ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about sulfacetamide ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use sulfacetamide ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share sulfacetamide ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep sulfacetamide ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Follow the instructions that come with your prescription, so you know how to use your sulfacetamide ophthalmic product properly. Be careful not to let the tip touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before and after use. Tell your healthcare provider if your eye infection gets worse, does not improve, or if you have any new eye problems, eye pain, or vision changes.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using sulfacetamide ophthalmic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if sulfacetamide ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Eye Sores. Sulfacetamide ophthalmic ointment may slow wound healing. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any eye sores.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how sulfacetamide ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if sulfacetamide ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. They will advise if you should stop breastfeeding or stop sulfacetamide ophthalmic.

Interactions

Does sulfacetamide ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between sulfacetamide ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect sulfacetamide ophthalmic, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does sulfacetamide ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between sulfacetamide ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much sulfacetamide ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much sulfacetamide ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of sulfacetamide ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of sulfacetamide ophthalmic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to sulfacetamide or other similar medicines.