Sulfur and Salicylic Acid Shampoo
Generic name: Sulfur and Salicylic Acid Shampoo [ SUL-fyoor-& sal-i-SIL-ik-AS-id ]
Brand names: Meted, Sebulex
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 4, 2023.
Uses of Sulfur and Salicylic Acid Shampoo:
- It is used to treat dandruff.
- It is used to control seborrheic dermatitis.
- It is used to treat scalp psoriasis.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Sulfur and Salicylic Acid Shampoo?
- If you have an allergy to sulfur, salicylic acid, or any other part of sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo.
- If you are allergic to sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo; any part of sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If a large area needs to be treated.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
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 sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo 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 Sulfur and Salicylic Acid Shampoo?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Certain acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can rarely cause very bad and sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions or very bad irritation. Before first use, you may need to follow certain steps to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction. Use sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo as you were told by the doctor or read the package label. Talk with the doctor.
- Use of other skin products while using sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo may cause more irritation.
- Do not put on irritated skin.
- Do not use sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo on birthmarks, moles, or warts with hair growth; or cervical, genital, or oral warts.
- Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
- This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
- Do not give to children and teenagers who have or are getting better from flu signs, chickenpox, or other viral infections due to the chance of Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome causes very bad problems to the brain and liver.
- Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Sulfur and Salicylic Acid Shampoo) best taken?
Use sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Do not take sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
- If you get sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo in any of these areas, rinse well with water.
- Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
- Avoid putting on healthy skin.
- Shake well before use.
- Wet hair and scalp.
- Lather well and leave on as you have been told.
- Rinse and put on again.
- Rinse fully.
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.
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.
- Very bad skin irritation.
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What are some other side effects of Sulfur and Salicylic Acid Shampoo?
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:
- Dry skin.
- 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 Sulfur and Salicylic Acid Shampoo?
- Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- 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 sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo, 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.
More about salicylic acid/sulfur topical
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (5)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: miscellaneous topical agents
Patient resources
- Salicylic acid and sulfur advanced reading
- Sulfur and Salicylic Acid Lotion
- Sulfur and Salicylic Acid Soap
Other brands
Meted, Sebulex, Fostex Medicated, Pernox, SAStid
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.