Irritability Test of Sulfacetamide Eye Drops II : In Man

Abstract

Although it was found that 10% sulfacetamide ophthalmic solution produced negligible mild eye irritation in rabbits, the solution was further studied for irritability and other topical adverse effects in 24 volunteers. An approximate volume of 0.05 ml. (2 drops) of 0.9% sodium chloride solution for injection and 10% sulfacetamide ophthalmic solution were instilled into conjunctival sacs of left and right eyes respectively every 2 hours, 3 times a day (9.00, 11.00 and 13.00 hr) for 7 days. Both solutions did not cause corneal cloudiness (opacity) or damage, did not produce conjunctivitis, did not cause swelling (edema), congestion, hemorrhage of the iris, did not alter pupillary light reflex and vision, neither caused superinfection nor allergic reactions. However, only the sulfacetamide eye drops produced brief and mild sensation of pain or burning when contacting the eyes.