Many people wonder if Sulfacyl Sodium is Albucid? Let's figure it out.
Sulfacyl Sodium is a drug that is made in the form of eye drops. The active substance of the drug is part of sulfonamides and has a pronounced antibacterial effect.
Structure
According to the instructions, "Sulfacyl sodium" is produced in several forms that differ in dosage. It can be 10, 20 and 30 percent solutions. Thus, 100 ml, 200 mg or 300 mg of active ingredient may be contained in 1 ml of solution.
The drug is packaged in special bottles with a dropper. This capacity facilitates the use of Sulfacil Sodium. Vials are presented in volumes of 5 and 10 ml.
As an active ingredient in the eye drops "Sulfacyl sodium" contains sodium sulfacetamide monohydrate, called albucid. The composition of the drug is also supplemented with auxiliary components represented by sterile water, sodium thiosulfate and 1M hydrochloric acid.
The properties
As the instruction indicates, "Sulfacyl sodium" has a pronounced antimicrobial effect, affecting the vital activity of harmful microorganisms and preventing their active reproduction. Sulfacil is active against the following bacteria:
- streptococci;
- E. coli;
- gonococci;
- pneumococci;
- actinomycetes;
- toxoplasma;
- chlamydia.
After instillation, "Sulfacil" penetrates into all fluids and tissues of the eye. A substance is able to enter the systemic circulation only through the inflamed conjunctiva in such insignificant quantities that it has no effect on the human body.
So, is Sulfacyl Sodium an Albucid? Yes, it is one and the same.
Indications and contraindications
In accordance with the instructions, “Sulfacyl sodium” is prescribed for the treatment of certain diseases of the anterior part of the eye in case of damage by microorganisms sensitive to its effects. Indications for the appointment of drops may be the following pathologies:
- blepharitis;
- conjunctivitis of infectious genesis;
- gonoblenorrhea in newborns;
- inflammatory process in the eyes caused by damage to chlamydia;
- ulcerative formations on the cornea of the eye with purulent contents.
In addition to these diseases, Sulfacil Sodium eye drops are prescribed for prophylactic purposes to prevent inflammation caused by foreign bodies entering the eyes, such as sand or dust.
"Sulfacil" is not recommended for patients who have been identified hypersensitivity to the components that make up the drug.
Instructions for "Sulfacyl sodium"
Adults and children over 12 years of age are prescribed a solution in a 30 percent concentration. The minimum dosage is intended for the treatment of young children and newborns, as well as patients whose eyes are highly sensitive and who have discovered adverse reactions when using the drug variant in a higher dosage. The standard scheme for the use of "Sulfacyl sodium" suggests the following dosage regimen.
- 1-2 drops in each conjunctival sac up to six times a day. The frequency of use should gradually decrease as a positive result is obtained from the treatment. The course of treatment is prescribed by the attending physician.
- As a prophylactic to prevent inflammation in the eyes of newborns, “Sulfacil” is instilled two drops in each eye immediately after birth and after two hours.
Recommendations
Sulfacil must be instilled in both eyes, even if one of them has not been affected. This will prevent infection of the other eye, due to the easy transfer of pathogenic bacteria.
The drug is used until there is an improvement in the patient's condition. With blennorrhea and conjunctivitis, treatment can take up to ten days, while a purulent-ulcerative lesion of the cornea will require regular instillations into the eyes for two weeks.
Adverse reactions
In most cases, drops do not cause adverse reactions from the body. With a significant excess of the dosage and frequency of instillations, the development of local reactions in the form of itching and burning, redness and swelling of the eyes, lacrimation, etc. is possible.
The appearance of an allergic reaction to Sulfacil, which is accompanied by sneezing, itching, and a rash on the skin, is also possible.
Some time after instillation, a whitish coating can be found on the eyelids. This is due to the drying of the drug and is not dangerous to human health.
Storage conditions
The drug should be stored at a temperature not exceeding 15 degrees. What is the shelf life of Sulfacil Sodium after opening? As a rule, after opening the bottle, store the drops in the refrigerator. However, unopened packaging can also be placed on the refrigerator door. With preserved vial tightness, the drug is stored for no more than two years. After opening, drops can be used for four weeks. The formation of a precipitate in the solution indicates the expiration of the shelf life or deterioration of the contents of the vial.
Is it possible for a child to instill Sulfacil Sodium?
Use in newborns
In most maternity hospitals in the former Soviet Union, newborns are instilled with “Sulfacyl sodium” immediately after birth. Moreover, in this case, a 30 percent solution of the drug is used. Such a precaution helps to avoid the development of blennorrhea, the infection of which can occur during childbirth. “Sulfacil” has a detrimental effect on harmful bacteria that get into the eyes of a child, which helps prevent an infectious and inflammatory process.
If repeated use of the drug is required, a lower dosage of Sulfacil is used. In the absence of a minimum ten percent form of the drug, a 20 percent solution is allowed. Adult concentration is not used to treat children's eyes, since overdose is possible with instillation up to eight times a day. The frequency of instillations and the duration of use of Sulfacil are similar to the treatment regimen for adult patients. In each eye, an instillation of a solution of 1-2 drops is performed. The maximum number of days of using Sulfacil is 10.
Both eyes are also buried in the newborn, even if one of them is healthy. This will exclude the spread of the infectious and inflammatory process to the other eye.
Sulfacyl Sodium can be used at any age. The drug can be part of the complex treatment of various diseases of an infectious and inflammatory nature. The use of a 10% solution of Sulfacil is considered optimal, since with a good therapeutic effect, it has minimal irritating effect on the eyes.
Nose and ear instillation
Quite often, pediatricians prescribe instillation of "Sulfacil" in the nose. The solution is widely used in the treatment of bacterial and purulent discharge from the nose, as well as against the background of acute respiratory viral infections or acute respiratory infections in a mild form of the course. Already more than one generation of parents has been using Sulfacil in the treatment of colds in children, and are satisfied with the result.
“Sulfacil” dries out the nasal mucous membrane, reduces the amount of mucus secreted and facilitates the child’s breathing. It is important to remember that the drug is allowed to be used only in case of uncomplicated diseases, when there is no risk of damage to the ENT organs and sinuses. Also, you can not use the solution if potent antibiotics are prescribed.
Another area of application of Sulfacil is the treatment of external otitis media in a child. Moreover, its use is considered safe only if the eardrum is intact. At the moment, it is generally accepted that Sulfacil is not an effective otolaryngological drug. The main purpose of the solution is the elimination of diseases of the eyes, not the nose and ears. However, it is allowed to use the drug in cases where classic otolaryngological drugs are not available.
That is, in case of emergency, when there is nothing else at hand, you can use Sulfacil, but its clinical effectiveness in the case of otitis has not been proven. The drug is instilled in one or two drops in each ear up to four times a day for a week. If there is no positive dynamics after several days of using the solution, you should stop using it and consult a doctor. The specialist will choose another, more effective drug or prescribe antibiotics that will quickly and effectively relieve inflammation.
Reviews drops "Sulfacyl sodium"
There are a lot of reviews about this medication. Mostly they are positive. The product is well tolerated and rarely causes side effects. Safe, suitable even for newborns. However, an allergic reaction in case of individual intolerance is not excluded.