Can you use expired Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution USP 10%? 

Can you use expired Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution USP 10%?

No, it is not recommended to use expired Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution. Ophthalmic solutions should be discarded after 1-3 months of opening. These solutions can not remain stable for long once they are exposed to the environment. 

As Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution can be used for the treatment of conjunctivitis, improper use can lead to bacterial contamination of the eye drops and this can further affect the stability of the product. 

Make sure you don’t take any chances with your eyes, as contaminated Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution can affect your vision. 

What are the possible dangers associated with the use of expired Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution? 

Expired Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution could easily become contaminated and the use of such an ophthalmic solution can cause a lot of damage to your eyes (1). 

Not only this, but the medication can also start to lose its potency. An ineffective Sulfacetamide sodium will not help you with your symptoms and you will continue to suffer. This is why you should not use medications past their expiration dates (2).

What to do if you have used expired Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution? 

If you have accidentally used expired Sulfacetamide sodium ophthalmic solution and feel irritation in your eyes, immediately report it to your healthcare provider. Even if you don’t feel a thing, make sure you don’t put any more of it in your eyes. 

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References

1.-

National Library of Medicine (US). Drug Information Portal – Sulfacetamide Ophthalmic [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institutes of Health (NIH); [updated 2022 Mar 23; cited 2022 Oct 26]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601114.html.

2.-

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Don’t Be Tempted to Use Expired Medicines [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): U.S. Food and Drug Administration; 2021 [cited 2022 Oct 26]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/dont-be-tempted-use-expired-medicines.