EVIDENCE-BASEDAWAITING CLINICIAN REVIEW

Sulfacetamide ophthalmic

WHO ATCS01AB04INNSulfacetamide

Sulfacetamide is a sulfonamide antibacterial used in ophthalmic formulations for selected bacterial eye infections. “Albucid” and “sulfacyl sodium” are legacy or regional names associated with sulfacetamide sodium eye products.

At a glance

Quick facts

Drug snapshot
Drug class
Sulfonamide antibacterial (ophthalmic)
Main uses
Selected susceptible bacterial eye infections and prophylaxis in specific circumstances according to product labeling
Route
Ophthalmic
WHO ATC
S01AB04
Key safety
Local burning or stinging and hypersensitivity; severe sulfonamide reactions are rare but possible even with topical exposure.
Monitoring
Correct diagnosis, response within the expected treatment interval, allergy history and avoidance of contaminated applicators.

Names & terminology

How this medicine may be named or searched

Canonical page name
Sulfacetamide ophthalmic
INN / generic name
Sulfacetamide
Aliases / salts
sulfacetamide · sulfacetamide sodium · sulfacyl sodium · albucid
Russian support entity
albucid.ru — entity relationship only, not a clinical source

Structured drug profile

Drug profile

INN data
INNSulfacetamideInternational nonproprietary / generic name used for this entity.
WHO ATCS01AB04Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification; route-specific codes may differ for some medicines.
Drug classSulfonamide antibacterial (ophthalmic)Pharmacologic / therapeutic class.
MechanismInhibits bacterial folate synthesis by competing with para-aminobenzoic acid, producing a bacteriostatic sulfonamide effect.Mechanism summarized at reference level.
RouteOphthalmicAvailable routes depend on the specific product.
Main usesSelected susceptible bacterial eye infections and prophylaxis in specific circumstances according to product labelingApproved indications can differ by country and formulation.
Key safety contextLocal burning or stinging and hypersensitivity; severe sulfonamide reactions are rare but possible even with topical exposure.Check exact product labeling and patient-specific contraindications.
Monitoring / reviewCorrect diagnosis, response within the expected treatment interval, allergy history and avoidance of contaminated applicators.Monitoring depends on indication, dose, route and patient factors.

What is Sulfacetamide ophthalmic?

Sulfacetamide is a sulfonamide antibacterial used in ophthalmic formulations for selected bacterial eye infections. “Albucid” and “sulfacyl sodium” are legacy or regional names associated with sulfacetamide sodium eye products.

What is Sulfacetamide ophthalmic used for?

Selected susceptible bacterial eye infections and prophylaxis in specific circumstances according to product labeling. The exact approved indication depends on the product, route and country. [1]

How it works

Inhibits bacterial folate synthesis by competing with para-aminobenzoic acid, producing a bacteriostatic sulfonamide effect.

Forms and formulations

Eye drops/solution and ophthalmic ointment depending on market. Different formulations may have different indications, strengths, excipients and instructions and should not be assumed interchangeable.

Country / market layer

Availability and formulations by market

Brand names, strengths, prescription status and approved uses vary by jurisdiction. Check the exact national product record before relying on a formulation.

Market-specific
🇬🇧
United KingdomSearch current eMC product information
Search eMC ↗

Availability depends on the active ingredient, route and formulation; not every medicine in this reference has a current UK product.

This English reference was selected because DiseasesConditions.org also maintains an entity relationship to the project’s Russian-language support site albucid.ru. The Russian site is not used as a clinical source for this page.

How it is used

Use only in the eye and follow the exact product directions. Wash hands before administration and avoid touching the bottle or tube tip to the eye, eyelashes or other surfaces because contamination can spread infection.

For prescription treatment, use the patient-specific regimen rather than copying a dose from another person or another formulation.

Side effects

Temporary burning or stinging can occur after application. Persistent worsening redness, swelling, rash or systemic allergy symptoms need review.

Important warnings and monitoring

Severe eye pain, marked light sensitivity, vision loss, trauma, chemical exposure or contact-lens associated infection warrants prompt eye assessment. Sulfacetamide does not treat viral or fungal conjunctivitis.

Monitoring context: Correct diagnosis, response within the expected treatment interval, allergy history and avoidance of contaminated applicators.

Interactions

Ophthalmic interactions are usually local. When more than one eye medicine is used, spacing and order may matter; ointments are usually applied after drops. Follow ophthalmic instructions.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Systemic exposure from ophthalmic treatment is limited, but pregnancy or breastfeeding use should still follow the product label and clinician advice when treatment is needed.

Overdose and accidental extra doses

Accidental ingestion or substantial excess exposure should be discussed with a poison centre. Repeated excessive eye application can increase local irritation without improving efficacy.

Practical clinical context

The most important distinction is between the medicine entity and a specific marketed product. Strength, salt, route, modified-release design, age authorization and prescription status can change between products. When safety or dosing decisions matter, use the exact package leaflet, prescribing information or national regulator record for the product actually being used.

This page deliberately separates general evidence from the project’s Russian-language support site albucid.ru; that site identifies the cross-language entity but is not treated as an authority for clinical claims.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

AWAITING CLINICIAN REVIEW

Sources

Clinical statements in this reference are based on named public-health, regulatory or guideline sources. Product-specific labeling remains authoritative for exact indications, dosing and contraindications.

  1. 1. MedlinePlus. Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic Drug Information. Source ↗
  2. 2. DailyMed. Sulfacetamide ophthalmic labeling search. Source ↗

This medicine reference is evidence-based and is awaiting clinician review. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.