General Description
Sulfisoxazole diolamine is the diolamine salt of sulfisoxazole, a short-acting sulfonamide antibiotic primarily used in ophthalmic preparations. The diolamine salt improves water solubility, making it suitable for topical eye drops. The drug is available as a 4% ophthalmic solution and was historically used orally for urinary tract infections.
Mechanism of Action
Sulfisoxazole inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate synthase, blocking folate synthesis and DNA production in susceptible organisms. In ophthalmic use, it is bacteriostatic against common pathogens causing conjunctivitis, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. The drug does not penetrate the cornea well, limiting activity to superficial infections.
Application
Sulfisoxazole diolamine ophthalmic solution is indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis and other superficial ocular infections caused by susceptible strains. It is also used as adjunctive therapy for trachoma and inclusion conjunctivitis. The solution is instilled 4-6 times daily. Patients should avoid contact lenses during treatment.