BLEPH®-10 (sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution, USP) 10% is a sterile, topical antibacterial agent for ophthalmic use. The active ingredient is represented by the following structural formula:

C₈H₉N₂NaO₃S•H₂O ...... MW = 254.24

Chemical Name

N-Sulfanilylacetamide monosodium salt monohydrate.

Contains: Active: sulfacetamide sodium 10% (100 mg/mL). Preservative: benzalkonium chloride 0.005%. lnactives: edetate disodium; polysorbate 80; polyvinyl alcohol 1.4%; purified water; sodium phosphate dibasic; sodium phosphate monobasic; sodium thiosulfate; hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH (6.8 to 7.5).

Last updated on RxList: 6/26/2008

BLEPH®-10 solution is indicated for the treatment of conjunctivitis and other superficial ocular infections due to susceptible microorganisms, and as an adjunctive in systemic sulfonamide therapy of trachoma: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus (viridans group), Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella species, and Enterobacter species.

Topically applied sulfonamides do not provide adequate coverage against Neisseria species, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A significant percentage of staphylococcal isolates are completely resistant to sulfa drugs.

For conjunctivitis and other superficial ocular infections: Instill one or two drops into the conjunctival sac(s) of the affected eye(s) every two to three hours initially. Dosages may be tapered by increasing the time interval between doses as the condition responds. The usual duration of treatment is seven to ten days.

For trachoma: Instill two drops into the conjunctival sac(s) of the affected eye(s) every two hours. Topical administration must be accompanied by systemic administration.

BLEPH®-10 (sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution, USP) 10% is supplied sterile in opaque white LDPE plastic bottles and white dropper tips with white high impact polystyrene (HIPS) caps as follows:

5 mL in 10mL bottle.....................NDC 11980-011-05

Note: Store at 8°-25°C (46°-77°F). Protect from light. Sulfonamide solutions, on long standing, will darken in color and should be discarded.

Revised February 2005. Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA 92714, U.S.A. FDA Rev date: 11/15/2002

Last updated on RxList: 6/26/2008

Bacterial and fungal corneal ulcers have developed during treatment with sulfonamide ophthalmic preparations.

The most frequently reported reactions are local irritation, stinging and burning. Less commonly reported reactions include non-specific conjunctivitis, conjunctival hyperemia, secondary infections and allergic reactions.

Fatalities have occurred, although rarely, due to severe reactions to sulfonamides including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, fulminant hepatic necrosis, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and other blood dyscrasias (see WARNINGS).

Sulfacetamide preparations are incompatible with silver preparations.

Last updated on RxList: 6/26/2008

FOR TOPICAL EYE USE ONLY - NOT FOR INJECTION.

FATALITIES HAVE OCCURRED, ALTHOUGH RARELY, DUE TO SEVERE REACTIONS TO SULFONAMIDES INCLUDING STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME, TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS, FULMINANT HEPATIC ECROSIS, AGRANULOCYTOSIS, APLASTIC ANEMIA AND OTHER BLOOD DYSCRASIAS. Sensitizations may recur when a sulfonamide is readministered, irrespective of the route of administration. Sensitivity reactions have been reported in individuals with no prior history of sulfonamide hypersensitivity. At the first sign of hypersensitivity, skin rash or other serious reaction, discontinue use of this preparation.

General

Prolonged use of topical anti-bacterial agents may give rise to overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms including fungi. Bacterial resistance to sulfonamides may also develop.

The effectiveness of sulfonamides may be reduced by the para-aminobenzoic acid present in purulent exudates.

Sensitization may recur when a sulfonamide is readministered irrespective of the route of administration, and cross-sensitivity between different sulfonamides may occur.

At the first sign of hypersensitivity, increase in purulent discharge, or aggravation of inflammation or pain, the patient should discontinue use of the medication and consult a physician (see WARNINGS).

Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility

No studies have been conducted in animals or in humans to evaluate the possibility of these effects with ocularly administered sulfacetamide. Rats appear to be especially susceptible to the goitrogenic effects of sulfonamides, and long-term oral administration of sulfonamides has resulted in thyroid malignancies in these animals.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with sulfonamide ophthalmic preparations. Kernicterus may occur in the newborn as a result of treatment of a pregnant woman at term with orally administered sulfonamides. There are no adequate and well controlled studies of sulfonamide ophthalmic preparations in pregnant women and it is not known whether topically applied sulfonamides can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. This product should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing mothers

Systemically administered sulfonamides are capable of producing kernicterus in infants of lactating women. Because of the potential for the development of kernicterus in neonates, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric use

Safety and effectiveness in infants below the age of two months have not been established.

Last updated on RxList: 6/26/2008

No information provided.

BLEPH®-10 solution is contraindicated in individuals who have a hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or to any ingredient of the preparation.

Last updated on RxList: 6/26/2008

Microbiology: The sulfonamides are bacteriostatic agents and the spectrum of activity is similar for all. Sulfonamides inhibit bacterial synthesis of dihydrofolic acid by preventing the condensation of the pteridine with aminobenzoic acid through competitive inhibition of the enzyme dihydropteroate synthetase. Resistant strains have altered dihydropteroate synthetase with reduced affinity for sulfonamides or produce increased quantities of aminobenzoic acid.

Topically applied sulfonamides are considered active against susceptible strains of the following common bacterial eye pathogens: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus (viridans group), Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella species, and Enterobacter species.

Topically applied sulfonamides do not provide adequate coverage against Neisseria species, Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A significant percentage of staphylococcal isolates are completely resistant to sulfa drugs.

Last updated on RxList: 6/26/2008

To avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to the eye, eyelid or any surface.

Last updated on RxList: 6/26/2008

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

SULFACETAMIDE DROPS - OPHTHALMIC

(sul-fa-SEE-ta-mide)

USES: This medication is used to treat and prevent eye infections (e.g., conjunctivitis). It belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfonamide antibiotics. Sulfacetamide works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This medication treats only bacterial eye infections. It will not work for other types of eye infections or for bacterial infections elsewhere in the body. Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

HOW TO USE: Apply this medication usually every 2 to 3 hours or as directed by your doctor. Wash hands before applying. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.

To apply eye drops, tilt your head back, look up, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. Stopping the medication too soon may allow the bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 48 hours.

SIDE EFFECTS: Eye stinging/burning/redness and temporary blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in other types of eye infections, including fungal infections. Contact your doctor if you notice new eye symptoms (e.g., pain, swelling, yellow/green discharge).

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat, dark urine, persistent nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin.

A very serious (possibly fatal) allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using sulfacetamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other sulfonamide antibiotics (e.g., sulfamethoxazole); or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: previous eye problems, contact lens use.

After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any other activity that requires clear vision. Limit alcoholic beverages.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: silver preparations for the eye (e.g., silver nitrate).

If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting sulfacetamide.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: gentamicin, zinc sulfate.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Throw away the unused portion after treatment is completed. Do not use it later for another infection. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 36-86 degrees F (2-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Avoid freezing. Discard if solution darkens. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.