THE MERCK MANUAL MEDICAL LIBRARY: The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
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Sulfacetamide Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

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Medication Safety Issues

Sound-alike/look-alike issues:

Bleph®-10 may be confused with Blephamide®

Klaron® may be confused with Klor-Con®

Pronunciation

(sul fa SEE ta mide)

U.S. Brand Names

  • Bleph®-10
  • Carmol® Scalp Treatment
  • Klaron®
  • Mexar™ [DSC]
  • Ovace®
  • Ovace® Plus
  • Rosula® NS
  • Seb-Prev™

Index Terms

  • Sodium Sulfacetamide
  • Sulfacetamide Sodium

Generic Available

Yes: Ointment, solution, suspension

Canadian Brand Names

  • Cetamide™
  • Diosulf™

Pharmacologic Category

  • Acne Products
  • Antibiotic, Ophthalmic
  • Antibiotic, Sulfonamide Derivative
  • Topical Skin Product, Acne

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

  • Topical Skin Product, Acne
  • Ophthalmic Antibiotic
  • Sulfa-derivative Antibiotic
  • Sulfonamide Antibiotic
  • Acne Product, Topical

Use: Labeled Indications

Ophthalmic: Treatment and prophylaxis of conjunctivitis due to susceptible organisms; corneal ulcers; adjunctive treatment with systemic sulfonamides for therapy of trachoma

Dermatologic: Scaling dermatosis (seborrheic); bacterial infections of the skin; acne vulgaris

Pregnancy Risk Factor

C

Pregnancy Considerations

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use of systemic sulfonamides during pregnancy may cause kernicterus in the newborn; the amount of systemic absorption following topical administration is not known. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Lactation

Excretion in breast milk unknown/use caution

Breast-Feeding Considerations

The amount of systemic absorption following topical administration is not known. When used orally, small amounts of sulfonamides are excreted in breast milk.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to sulfacetamide, sulfonamides, or any component of the formulation

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Blood dyscrasias: Severe reactions including agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia and other blood dyscrasias have occurred with sulfonamides (regardless of route).

• Dermatologic reactions: Severe reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis have occurred with sulfonamides (regardless of route).

• Hepatic necrosis: Fatalities associated with fulminant hepatic necrosis have occurred with sulfonamides (regardless of route).

• Sulfonamide allergy: Chemical similarities are present among sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, thiazides, and loop diuretics (except ethacrynic acid). Use in patients with sulfonamide allergy is specifically contraindicated in product labeling, however, a risk of cross-reaction exists in patients with allergy to any of these compounds; avoid use when previous reaction has been severe.

Dosage form specific issues:

• Ophthalmic: Inactivated by purulent exudates containing PABA; use with caution in severe dry eye; ointment may retard corneal epithelial healing. For topical application to the eye only; not for injection. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children <2 months of age.

• Topical: Use caution if applied to denuded or abraded skin. Some products contain sodium metabisulfite which may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. For external use only; avoid contact with eyes. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children <12 years of age.

Adverse Reactions

Frequency not defined.

Cardiovascular: Edema

Dermatologic: Burning, erythema, irritation, itching, stinging, Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Ocular (following ophthalmic application): Burning, conjunctivitis, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal ulcers, irritation, stinging

Miscellaneous: Allergic reactions, systemic lupus erythematosus

Drug Interactions

Methotrexate: Sulfonamide Derivatives may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Methotrexate. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Phenytoin: Sulfonamide Derivatives may decrease the metabolism of Phenytoin. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Procaine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Sulfonamide Derivatives. Risk X: Avoid combination

Typhoid Vaccine: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Typhoid Vaccine. Only the live attenuated Ty21a strain is affected. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Vitamin K Antagonists (eg, warfarin): Sulfonamide Derivatives may enhance the anticoagulant effect of Vitamin K Antagonists. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature.

Ophthalmic solution: Solution may be used if yellow; do not use if darkened.

Carmol® Scalp treatment: Do not freeze. May be used if slightly discolored.

Compatibility

Incompatible with silver and zinc sulfate.

Incompatible with blood or purulent exudates.

Mechanism of Action

Interferes with bacterial growth by inhibiting bacterial folic acid synthesis through competitive antagonism of PABA

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Half-life elimination: 7-13 hours

Excretion: When absorbed, primarily urine (as unchanged drug)

Dosage

Children >2 months and Adults: Ophthalmic:

Ointment: Apply to lower conjunctival sac 1-4 times/day and at bedtime

Solution: Instill 1-2 drops several times daily up to every 2-3 hours in lower conjunctival sac during waking hours and less frequently at night; increase dosing interval as condition responds. Usual duration of treatment: 7-10 days

Trachoma: Instill 2 drops into the conjunctival sac every 2 hours; must be used in conjunction with systemic therapy

Children >12 years and Adults: Topical:

Acne: Apply thin film to affected area twice daily

Seborrheic dermatitis: Apply at bedtime and allow to remain overnight; in severe cases, may apply twice daily. Duration of therapy is usually 8-10 applications; dosing interval may be increased as eruption subsides. Applications once or twice weekly, or every other week may be used to prevent eruptions.

Secondary cutaneous bacterial infections: Apply 2-4 times/day until infection clears

Administration: Topical

Scalp lotion: Shampoo hair with a nonirritating shampoo prior to application. Part hair in sections and apply small quantities of lotion to scalp; rub in gently. Brush hair for 2-3 minutes. May discolor white fabric.

Acne lotion: Shake well before using.

Monitoring Parameters

Response to therapy

Patient Education

Use as directed. Complete full course of therapy even if condition appears improved. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are pregnant. Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.

Ophthalmic: Do not use other eye preparations at this time without consulting prescriber. Store at room temperature. Shake solution before using. Apply prescribed amount as often as directed. Wash hands before using. Do not let tip of applicator touch eye; do not contaminate tip of applicator (may cause eye infection, eye damage, or vision loss). When using solution, tilt head back and look upward. Gently pull down lower lid and put drop(s) in inner corner of eye. When using ointment, place medicine inside the lower lid, close eye, and roll eyeball in all directions. Do not blink for 1/2 minute. Apply gentle pressure to inner corner of eye for 30 seconds. Wipe away excess from skin around eye. Do not use any other eye preparation for at least 10 minutes. Do not share medication with anyone else. May cause sensitivity to bright light (dark glasses may help); temporary stinging or blurred vision may occur. Inform prescriber if you experience eye pain, redness, burning, watering, dryness, double vision, puffiness around eye, vision changes, or other adverse eye response; worsening of condition or lack of improvement within 3-4 days.

Topical: For external use only. Apply a thin film to affected area as often as directed. Do not cover with occlusive dressing; do not apply other lotions, creams, or medications to the area while using this medication. Report increased skin redness, irritation, or development of open sores; or if condition worsens or does not improve.

Geriatric Considerations

Assess whether patient can adequately instill drops or ointment.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

None reported

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

Assess for previous sulfonamide allergy. Assess effectiveness (resolution of infection). Teach patient appropriate use (ophthalmic/topical), interventions to reduce side effects, and adverse symptoms to report.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Aerosal, topical, as sodium [foam]:

Ovace®: 10% (50 g [DSC], 100 g)

Cream, topical, as sodium:

Ovace®: 10% (30 g, 60 g) [DSC]

Seb-Prev™: 10% (30 g, 60 g)

Gel, topical, as sodium:

Ovace® [DSC], Seb-Prev™: 10% (30 g, 60 g)

Lotion, topical, as sodium: 10% (120 mL)

Carmol® Scalp Treatment: 10% (85 g) [contains urea 10%]

Klaron®: 10% (120 mL) [contains sodium metabisulfite]

Lotion, topical, as sodium [wash]:

Ovace®: 10% (180 mL, 360 mL)

Lotion, topical, as sodium [emulsion-based wash]:

Ovace® Plus: 10% (180 mL, 360 mL)

Ointment, ophthalmic, as sodium: 10% (3.5 g) [DSC]

Pad, topical, as sodium:

Rosula® NS: 10% (30s) [contains urea 10%]

Soap, topical, as sodium [wash]:

Mexar™: 10% (170 mL) [DSC]

Seb-Prev™: 10% (170 mL, 340 mL)

Solution, ophthalmic, as sodium [drops]: 10% (15 mL)

Bleph®-10: 10% (5 mL) [contains benzalkonium chloride]

Suspension, topical, as sodium: 10% (118 mL)

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Cream (Ovace)

10% (60): $109.99

Foam (Ovace)

10% (50): $68.72

10% (100): $130.28

Gel (Ovace)

10% (30): $65.99

Liquid (Ovace Wash)

10% (170): $84.32

10% (360): $154.80

Liquid (Ovace Wash Plus)

10% (180): $92.00

Lotion (Carmol Scalp Treatment)

10-10% (85): $95.35

Lotion (Klaron)

10% (118): $130.79

Lotion (Sulfacetamide Sodium (Acne))

10% (118): $97.00

Pads (Rosula NS)

10-10% (30): $112.19

Solution (Bleph-10)

10% (5): $20.99

Solution (Sulfacetamide Sodium)

10% (15): $12.99

References

Lohr JA, Austin RD, Grossman M, et al, “Comparison of Three Topical Antimicrobials for Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis,” Pediatr Infect Dis J, 1988, 7(9):626-9.

International Brand Names

  • Acetopt (NZ, PH)
  • Albucid (AE, BB, BF, BH, BJ, BM, BS, BZ, CI, CY, DE, EG, ET, GH, GM, GN, GY, ID, IL, IN, IQ, IR, JM, JO, KE, KW, LB, LR, LY, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, NE, NG, NL, OM, QA, SA, SC, SD, SL, SN, SR, SY, TN, TT, TZ, UG, YE, ZA, ZM, ZW)
  • Alesten (CZ)
  • Antebor (BE, FR, LU)
  • Beocid (AT)
  • Blef-10 (CO, EC)
  • Bleph-10 (AE, AU, BH, CY, EG, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, MY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Bleph-30 (AE, BH, CY, EG, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Cetazin (AT)
  • Cushing (AR)
  • Examida (MX)
  • Isopto Cetamide (AE, BE, BH, CY, EG, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LU, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Langal[ophthalm.] (ES)
  • Optamid (IT)
  • Prontamid (IT)
  • Spersacet (CH)
  • Sulfa 10 (BE)
  • Sulfacet Sodium (VE)
  • Sulfacetamidum (PL)
  • SulfacidE (IL)
  • Sulfacidin (GB)
  • Sulfanil (BR)
  • Sulfex (HK)
  • Sulop (PE)
  • Vitaseptine (FR)
  • Vitasul F (PH)

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Last full review/revision August 2008

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