Gantrisin Ophthalmic

Generic Name: sulfisoxazole ophthalmic (sul fi SOX a zole)

Brand Names: Gantrisin Ophthalmic

What is Gantrisin Ophthalmic (sulfisoxazole ophthalmic)?

Sulfisoxazole ophthalmic is an antibiotic.

The ophthalmic form of sulfisoxazole is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.

Sulfisoxazole 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 Gantrisin Ophthalmic (sulfisoxazole 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 duct.

Who should not use Gantrisin Ophthalmic (sulfisoxazole ophthalmic)?

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

Sulfisoxazole ophthalmic should not be used if you have ever had an allergy to a "sulfa"-based drug.

Sulfisoxazole ophthalmic is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether sulfisoxazole ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Sulfisoxazole passes into breast milk when taken orally, but it is not known whether the ophthalmic form of sulfisoxazole also passes into breast milk. Do not use sulfisoxazole ophthalmic without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Sulfisoxazole ophthalmic is not approved for use in children younger than 2 months of age.

How should I use Gantrisin Ophthalmic (sulfisoxazole ophthalmic)?

Use sulfisoxazole 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. Store sulfisoxazole 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 solution has been ingested, drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency center for advice.

What should I avoid while using Gantrisin Ophthalmic (sulfisoxazole 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. Sulfisoxazole 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.

Gantrisin Ophthalmic (sulfisoxazole ophthalmic) side effects

Serious side effects are not expected with ophthalmic use of this medication. However, when sulfisoxazole is ingested, serious side effects may include a rash and unusual bleeding or bruising. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects.

Commonly, some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, local swelling, upset stomach, or sensitivity to light may occur. Continue to use sulfisoxazole ophthalmic and talk to your doctor about any side effects that you experience.

What other drugs will affect Gantrisin Ophthalmic (sulfisoxazole ophthalmic)?

Do not use eye drops that contain nitrates (e.g., silver nitrate) while you are using sulfisoxazole ophthalmic.

Avoid other eye medications unless they are approved by your doctor.

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

Compare Gantrisin Ophthalmic with other medications

• Conjunctivitis, Bacterial

Where can I get more information?

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

What does my medication look like?

Sulfisoxazole ophthalmic is available with a prescription under the brand name Gantrisin as a 4% solution. Other brand or generic formulations of this medication may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.