sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

phenylephrine-sodium sulfacetamide ophthalmic, Vasosulf

What is the most important information I should know about sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic?

Contact your doctor if your symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any improvement in your condition after a few days.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear ducts.

What is sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic?

Sulfacetamide is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections.

Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor. It makes the blood vessels in your eyes smaller to reduce redness and congestion, and to keep the sulfacetamide in your eye for a longer period of time.

Sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic?

Do not use sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only.

Do not use sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a "sulfa"-based drug.

It is not known whether sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use sulfacetamide and phenylephreine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use sulfacetamide and phenylephreine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic?

Use sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using your eyedrops.

To apply the eyedrops:

• Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or drops in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, wash the eye with water and call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested, drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.