Sulfacetamide

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Sulfacetamide

Sulfacetamide (pronounced sul-fuh-set-uh-mide) is a sulfonamide antibiotic used primarily in the treatment of eye infections. It is also used in the treatment of skin conditions such as acne and seborrheic dermatitis.

Etymology

The term "Sulfacetamide" is derived from its chemical structure, which includes a sulfonamide group (a sulfur atom double-bonded to two oxygen atoms and single-bonded to an amine group).

Usage

Sulfacetamide is used in the form of eye drops, creams, and lotions. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria by interfering with their ability to synthesize folic acid, a nutrient necessary for bacterial growth and reproduction.

Related Terms

  • Sulfonamide: A group of synthetic antibiotic substances that contain the sulfonamide group.
  • Folic Acid: A type of B vitamin that is key for cell growth and metabolism.
  • Bacteria: Microscopic single-celled organisms that can be harmful or beneficial.
  • Acne: A skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis: A common skin condition that mainly affects the scalp, causing scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff.

Side Effects

Like all medications, sulfacetamide can cause side effects. These may include irritation, redness, and swelling at the application site. In rare cases, it can cause serious allergic reactions. If you experience any unusual symptoms after using sulfacetamide, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Precautions

Before using sulfacetamide, inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies or if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. It is also important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski