Sodium Sulamyd

Pronounced: SOH-dee-um SOO-lah-mid
Generic name: Sulfacetamide sodium
Other brand name: Bleph-10

Why is Sodium Sulamyd prescribed?

Sodium Sulamyd is used in the treatment of eye inflammations, corneal ulcer, and other eye infections. It may be used along with an oral sulfa drug to treat a serious eye infection called trachoma.

Most important fact about Sodium Sulamyd

Sodium Sulamyd is similar to oral sulfa drugs such as Bactrim, Gantanol, and Gantrisin. If you are allergic to any of these medications, you may also be allergic to Sodium Sulamyd. In addition, if you have taken one of these medications in the past, you may have developed a "hidden" allergy to sulfa drugs that might show up when you take Sodium Sulamyd. Be alert for a rash, itching, or other signs of allergy. If any of these symptoms develop, stop taking Sodium Sulamyd immediately and consult your doctor.

How should you use Sodium Sulamyd?

Sodium Sulamyd is available in eyedrop and ointment form. Use it exactly as prescribed. Your doctor may tell you to use both the eye drops and the ointment.

To apply Sodium Sulamyd, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pouch, then squeeze in the medication. To avoid contaminating the eye drops or the ointment, do not touch your eye with the dropper bottle or the tip of the tube. Keep the dropper bottle or tube poised slightly above your eye as you instill the drops or squeeze out the ointment.

--If you miss a dose...

Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature. Protect the ointment from excessive heat.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.

Sodium Sulamyd may irritate your eye, causing stinging and burning. The irritation usually lasts only a short time. If it is very painful or lasts for a long time, you may have to stop using the medication.