Sulfacetamide/Phenylephrine, Ophthalmic

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibiotic/decongestant

Generic and brand names: sulfacetamide and phenylephrine, ophthalmic; Vasosulf Ophthalmic

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine, in the form of eyedrops, is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria and reduce redness and congestion. It will not work on infections caused by viruses or fungus. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine

Tell your healthcare provider if you wear contact lenses.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use more drops or use them more often than directed. Using too much of this medicine may increase your risk of side effects.

Do not stop using this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. If you stop using this medicine too soon your infection may return.

If you wear contact lenses, take them out before using this medicine. Do not put contacts back in for at least 15 minutes after using this medicine.

Wash your hands thoroughly before applying medicine to your eyes. Shake the bottle gently before using. Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.

To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye, hand, or any other surface. Do not rinse the dropper. After use, put the cap on tightly, and store the medicine away from heat and bright light. Do not share eye medicine with other people. If this medicine is contaminated it may cause serious eye infections. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored or has particles it.

If you are using more than one type of eyedrop, use them at least 10 minutes apart. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist which eyedrop to use first.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

Do not use this medicine for any other eye condition unless your healthcare provider approves. Do not use other eyedrops without your provider's approval. Do not share eye medicines with others.

This medicine may cause temporary blurring of your vision. Do not drive or operate machinery until you can see clearly.

If your eyes do not get better in a few days or if they get worse, contact your healthcare provider.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your healthcare provider if you can continue to wear them while you are using this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Any new redness, irritation, or swelling, rash, fever or mouth sores; rapid heartbeat; chest pain; dizziness; shortness of breath; sweating; severe eye pain, seeing floating spots.

Other: Stinging, burning, or blurred vision after you put in the eyedrops, tearing, sensitivity to light.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• other eye medicines (You may need to allow some time between applications of the different medicines.)
• silver nitrate
• some local anesthetics such as propacaine (Alcaine, Ophthetic) and tetracaine (Oticaine, Pontocaine)

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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