Sulfacetamide: An ophthalmic Anti-infective Agent
Abstract
Sulfacetamide is an anti-infective and bacteriostatic agent that belongs to the class of sulfonamides. It is extensively used as an anti-infective agent for ophthalmic disorders in a concentration of 5–30%. It inhibits the bacterial enzyme dihydropteroate synthase. It is active against susceptible strains of the eye pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Major therapeutic indications include acute conjunctivitis, minute abrasions of cornea and conjunctiva, and prophylaxis of ocular infections after injuries or burns. Side effects of sulfacetamide drops are edema of the eyelid, tearing, stinging, burning, local irritation, reactive hyperemia, blurred vision, and brow ache. Sulfacetamide interacts with porfimer and increases photosensitivity reactions leading to severe tissue damage. Sulfacetamide alone or in combination are available in various compositions.