What is AK-Sulf (Sulfacetamide Sodium Ophthalmic)?

Sulfacetamide ophthalmic is an antibiotic.

Sulfacetamide ophthalmic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Sulfacetamide ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking AK-Sulf (Sulfacetamide Sodium Ophthalmic)?

Do not use sulfacetamide ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only.

Do not use sulfacetamide ophthalmic if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a sulfa-based drug.

It is not known whether sulfacetamide ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use sulfacetamide ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether sulfacetamide ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use sulfacetamide ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

AK-Sulf Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of AK-Sulf (Sulfacetamide Sodium Ophthalmic)?

Serious side effects are not expected with this medication.

Commonly, some eye burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, eyelid itching, eyelid swelling, or sensitivity to light may occur.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

AK-Sulf Interactions

What other drugs affect AK-Sulf (Sulfacetamide Sodium Ophthalmic)?

Do not use this medication with other eyedrops containing nitrates (e.g., silver nitrate).

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with sulfacetamide ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with sulfacetamide ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

What should I avoid while taking AK-Sulf (Sulfacetamide Sodium Ophthalmic)?

Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Sulfacetamide ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor if you should wear them during treatment with sulfacetamide ophthalmic. After applying the medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with sulfacetamide ophthalmic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

AK-Sulf Dosage

How should I take AK-Sulf (Sulfacetamide Sodium Ophthalmic)?

Use sulfacetamide ophthalmic eyedrops or ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using your eyedrops or ointment.

To apply the eye drops:

• Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or drops in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops

To apply the ointment:

• Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that the ointment comes out easily. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before the next application

Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.

Store sulfacetamide ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube properly capped.

What happens if I overdose on AK-Sulf (Sulfacetamide Sodium Ophthalmic)?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, wash the eye with water and call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops or ointment have been ingested, drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.

What happens if I miss a dose of AK-Sulf (Sulfacetamide Sodium Ophthalmic)?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

Edited from everydayhealth.com