Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

For patients using the eye drop form of sulfonamides:

  • The bottle is only partially full to provide proper drop control.
  • To use:
    • First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
    • If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.
    • To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

For patients using the eye ointment form of sulfonamides:

  • To use:
    • First, wash your hands. Then pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into the pouch. A 1.25- to 2.5-cm (approximately ½- to 1-inch) strip of ointment is usually enough unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Gently close the eyes and keep them closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
    • To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). After using sulfonamides eye ointment, wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue and keep the tube tightly closed.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For sulfacetamide

  • For eye infections:
    • For ophthalmic dosage forms (ointment):
      • Adults and adolescents—Use four times a day and at bedtime.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For ophthalmic dosage forms (solution):
      • Adults and adolescents—One drop every one to three hours during the day and less often during the night.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For sulfisoxazole

  • For eye infections:
    • For ophthalmic dosage forms (ointment):
      • Adults and children—Use one to three times a day and at bedtime.
    • For ophthalmic dosage forms (solution):
      • Adults and adolescents—One drop three or more times a day.
      • Children—
        • Infants and children 2 months of age and older: One drop three or more times a day.
        • Infants up to 2 months of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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