Sulfacetamide Cream, Gel, Lotion, and Wash
Generic name: Sulfacetamide Cream, Gel, Lotion, and Wash [ sul-fa-SEE-ta-mide ]
Brand name: Ovace
Drug class: Topical antibiotics
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 4, 2024.
Uses of Sulfacetamide Cream, Gel, Lotion, and Wash:
- It is used to treat bacterial infections.
- It is used to control seborrheic dermatitis.
- It is used to treat dandruff.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Sulfacetamide Cream, Gel, Lotion, and Wash?
- If you have an allergy to sulfacetamide sodium or any other part of sulfacetamide cream, gel, lotion, and wash.
- If you have a sulfa allergy.
- If you are allergic to sulfacetamide cream, gel, lotion, and wash; any part of sulfacetamide cream, gel, lotion, and wash; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you are using drugs that have silver in them.
- If you have kidney disease.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with sulfacetamide cream, gel, lotion, and wash.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take sulfacetamide cream, gel, lotion, and wash with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Sulfacetamide Cream, Gel, Lotion, and Wash?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take sulfacetamide cream, gel, lotion, and wash. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- This medicine may stain clothing or fabric.
- Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
- Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
- If you use sulfacetamide cream, gel, lotion, and wash too often, your skin problem may become worse.
- Use care when putting on a large part of the skin or where there are open wounds. Talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is this medicine (Sulfacetamide Cream, Gel, Lotion, and Wash) best taken?
Use sulfacetamide cream, gel, lotion, and wash as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Do not take sulfacetamide cream, gel, lotion, and wash by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
- Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
- Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
- Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
- Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
Related/similar drugs
prednisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone topical, ketoconazole topical, mupirocin topical, Decadron, Bactroban, Centany, sulfacetamide sodium topical, Bactroban Nasal
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Rarely, very bad effects have happened with sulfa drugs. Sometimes, these have been deadly. These effects have included liver problems, blood problems, and very bad skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes; fever, chills, or sore throat; cough that is new or worse; feeling very tired or weak; any bruising or bleeding; or signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
- A health problem called lupus has happened with drugs like this one. One death has been reported. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of lupus like a rash on your cheeks or other body parts, sunburn easy, muscle or joint pain, chest pain or shortness of breath, or swelling in the arms or legs.
What are some other side effects of Sulfacetamide Cream, Gel, Lotion, and Wash?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Skin irritation.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Sulfacetamide Cream, Gel, Lotion, and Wash?
- Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- Protect from heat.
- Keep lid tightly closed.
- This medicine may become a little darker over time if stored at room temperature. This does not affect how well the drug works as long as it is stored at room temperature as you have been told.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about sulfacetamide cream, gel, lotion, and wash, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
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Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.