Vasosulf

Generic Name: sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic (sul fa SET a mide/ fen ill EFF rin)

Brand Names: Vasosulf

What is Vasosulf (sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic)?

Sulfacetamide is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections.

Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor. It makes the blood vessels in your eyes smaller to reduce redness and congestion, and to keep the sulfacetamide in your eye for a longer period of time.

Sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Vasosulf (sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic)?

Contact your doctor if your symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any improvement in your condition after a few days.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.

Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear ducts.

Who should not use Vasosulf (sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic)?

Do not use sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only.

Do not use sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a "sulfa"-based drug.

It is not known whether sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use sulfacetamide and phenylephreine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Do not use sulfacetamide and phenylephreine ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Vasosulf (sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic)?

Use sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before using your eyedrops.

To apply the eyedrops:

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  Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or drops in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.

  
  

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it. Store sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, wash the eye with water and call an emergency room or poison control center near you. If the drops have been ingested, drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.

What should I avoid while using Vasosulf (sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic)?

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.

Use caution with contact lenses. Wear them only if your doctor approves. After applying this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses.

Avoid other eye medications unless your doctor approves.

Vasosulf (sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic) side effects

Serious side effects are not expected with this medication.

Commonly, some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, eyelid itching, eyelid swelling, or sensitivity to light may occur. Continue to use sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic and talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience.

What other drugs will affect Vasosulf (sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic)?

Do not use this medication with other eye drops containing nitrates (e.g., silver nitrate).

Avoid using other eyedrops or medications unless they are approved by your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

More Vasosulf resources

• Vasosulf Drug Interactions
• Vasosulf Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Vasosulf - Add your own review/rating

Compare Vasosulf with other medications

• Conjunctivitis, Bacterial
• Eye Dryness/Redness

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Sulfacetamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic is available with a prescription under the brand name Vasosulf in a 15% solution. Other brand and generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.