Sulfacetamide: An ophthalmic Anti-infective Agent

  • Noureen Anwar Baqai Medical University, Karachi-74600
  • Sofia Ahmed Baqai Medical University, Karachi-74600
  • Sadia Hafeez Kazi Baqai Medical University, Karachi-74600
  • Muhammad Ali Sheraz Baqai Medical University, Karachi-74600
  • Iqbal Ahmad Baqai Medical University, Karachi-74600

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.

Author Biographies

Noureen Anwar, Baqai Medical University, Karachi-74600

Baqai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 

Sofia Ahmed, Baqai Medical University, Karachi-74600

Baqai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences,

Sadia Hafeez Kazi, Baqai Medical University, Karachi-74600
Baqai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences,

 

Muhammad Ali Sheraz, Baqai Medical University, Karachi-74600
Baqai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences,

 

Iqbal Ahmad, Baqai Medical University, Karachi-74600
Baqai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences,

 

Published
2014-04-18