GeneralProlonged use of topical antibacterial agents may give rise to
overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi. Bacterial resistance to
sulfonamides may also develop.
The effectiveness of sulfonamides may be reduced by the para-aminobenzoic
acid present in purulent exudates.
Sensitization may recur when a sulfonamide is readministered irrespective of
the route of administration, and cross-sensitivity between different
sulfonamides may occur.
At the first sign of hypersensitivity, increase in purulent discharge, or
aggravation of inflammation or pain, the patient should discontinue use of the
medication and consult a physician (See WARNINGS).
Information for PatientsTo avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to the eye,
eyelid or any surface.
Drug InteractionsSulfacetamide preparations are incompatible with silver
preparations.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of
FertilityNo studies have been conducted in animals or in humans to
evaluate the possibility of these effects with ocularly administered
sulfacetamide. Rats appear to be especially susceptible to the goitrogenic
effects of sulfonamides, and long-term oral administration of sulfonamides has
resulted in thyroid malignancies in these animals.
PregnancyPregnancy Category C.
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with
sulfonamide ophthalmic preparations. Kernicterus may occur in the newborn as a
result of treatment of a pregnant woman at term with orally administered
sulfonamides. There are no adequate and well controlled studies of sulfonamide
ophthalmic preparations in pregnant women and it is not known whether topically
applied sulfonamides can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.
This product should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies
the potential risk to the fetus.
Nursing MothersSystematically administered sulfonamides are capable of producing
kernicterus in infants of lactating women. Because of the potential for the
development of kernicterus in neonates, a decision should be made whether to
discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug taking into account the importance
of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness in children below the age of two months
have not been established.