Sulfacetamide is a sulfonamide antibiotic commonly used in the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly those affecting the eyes and skin.

It functions by inhibiting the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria, which is essential for their growth and reproduction, thereby exerting a bacteriostatic effect.

Available in various forms, including eye drops, topical solutions, and creams, sulfacetamide is often prescribed for conditions such as conjunctivitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and acne vulgaris.

Its efficacy, coupled with a relatively low risk of side effects, makes it a widely utilized agent in both ophthalmic and dermatologic care.

[2] It kills the bacteria by restricting the production of folic acid, which is essential for bacterial growth.

Sulfacetamide 10% topical lotion, sold under the brand name Klaron or Ovace, is approved for the treatment of acne and seborrheic dermatitis.

There are also life-threatening conditions which can be produced by the antibiotic, like Stevens Johnson syndrome and Erythema multiforme.

[2] One case showed that sulfacetamide eyedrops can very rarely cause life-threatening skin condition toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

In the presence of light sulfacetamide gets sensitized and degraded which might cause irritation which will lead to toxicity when it is used continuously.

It blocks the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid by inhibiting the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase.

[18] Sulfonamides are usually metabolized by several oxidative pathways, acetylation, and conjugation with sulfate or glucuronic acid.

These are organic compounds containing an benzenesulfonamide moiety with an amine group attached to the benzene ring.

It was found that sulfacetamide is resistant to biodegradation and that it is toxic to the green alga Chlorella vulgaris.

[24] At higher temperatures sulfacetamide solutions degrade to its hydrolysed product, sulphanilamide with a first-order rate constant.

It is believed to work by limiting the presence of folic acid which bacteria need to survive.

It has been suggested that sulfacetamide may also serve as a treatment for mild forms of hidradenitis suppurativa.

There are several prescription topical products containing sulfacetamide, such as foams, shampoos, cream and washes.