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Indications & Uses
Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution (Optacid) is used to treat conjunctivitis and other superficial infections of the eye caused by susceptible microorganisms. It is also used as an adjunctive to systemic sulfonamide therapy of trachoma. The organisms covered are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus (viridans group), Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella species and Enterobacter species. Sulfonamides applied topically don't give adequate coverage against Neisseria species, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Also, a significant percentage of staphylococcal isolates are completely resistant to sulfa drugs.
Pharmacology
Sulfacetamide sodium is a sulfonamide, and sulfonamides are bacteriostatic, which means they stop bacteria from multiplying rather than killing them. The spectrum of activity is similar across the whole group. They block the bacterial synthesis of dihydrofolic acid. They do this by competitive inhibition of the enzyme dihydropteroate synthetase, which prevents the pteridine from condensing with aminobenzoic acid. Resistant strains have an altered dihydropteroate synthetase that binds sulfonamides less well, or they produce larger quantities of aminobenzoic acid.
When applied to the eye, sulfonamides are considered active against susceptible strains of these common bacterial eye pathogens: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus (viridans group), Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella species and Enterobacter species.
Applied topically, they don't give adequate coverage against Neisseria species, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A significant percentage of staphylococcal isolates are completely resistant to sulfa drugs.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
For conjunctivitis and other superficial eye infections, put one or two drops of Sulfacetamide sodium into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye or eyes every two to three hours at first. As the condition responds, you can stretch the gap between doses. Treatment usually lasts seven to ten days.
For trachoma, put two drops into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye or eyes every two hours. The drops applied to the eye must be given together with a systemic medicine.
Side Effects
Bacterial and fungal corneal ulcers have developed in people being treated with sulfonamide ophthalmic preparations. The reactions reported most often are local irritation, stinging and burning. Less commonly, people have reported non-specific conjunctivitis, conjunctival hyperemia, secondary infections and allergic reactions. Fatalities have occurred, although rarely, because of severe reactions to sulfonamides. These include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, fulminant hepatic necrosis, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia and other blood dyscrasias.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
If sulfacetamide sodium or any other topical antibacterial is used for a long time, organisms that don't respond to it, including fungi, can overgrow. Bacteria can also become resistant to sulfonamides. Para-aminobenzoic acid is present in purulent exudates, and it may reduce how well sulfonamides work. Sensitization may come back when a sulfonamide is given again, whatever the route of administration, and cross-sensitivity between different sulfonamides may occur. At the first sign of hypersensitivity, more purulent discharge, or worse inflammation or pain, the patient should stop the medicine and see a physician.
Contraindications
Don't use sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution if you are allergic to sulfonamides, or to any other ingredient in the preparation.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Sulfacetamide sodium is Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies haven't been done with sulfonamide eye preparations. Kernicterus may occur in a newborn when a pregnant woman at term is treated with sulfonamides taken by mouth. There are no adequate and well controlled studies of sulfonamide eye preparations in pregnant women, and nobody knows whether sulfonamides applied to the eye can cause fetal harm when given to a pregnant woman. So this product should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Nursing mothers: sulfonamides given systemically can cause kernicterus in the infants of breastfeeding women. Because kernicterus can develop in neonates, a decision should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the medicine, taking into account how important the medicine is to the mother.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
Sulfacetamide sodium has not been shown to be safe or effective in infants below the age of two months.
Common questions about Icid 20%
What is Icid 20% Ophthalmic Solution?
Icid 20% Ophthalmic Solution is a medicine that contains Sulfacetamide sodium. It is made by Nipa Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Ophthalmic antibacterial drugs group of medicines.
What is Icid used for?
Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution (Optacid) is used to treat conjunctivitis and other superficial infections of the eye caused by susceptible microorganisms. It is also used as an adjunctive to systemic sulfonamide therapy of trachoma.
What are the side effects of Icid?
Bacterial and fungal corneal ulcers have developed in people being treated with sulfonamide ophthalmic preparations. The reactions reported most often are local irritation, stinging and burning.
Can I take Icid during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Sulfacetamide sodium is Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies haven't been done with sulfonamide eye preparations. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Do I need a prescription for Icid?
Icid is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.