Sulfacetamide sodium topical

Generic name: sulfacetamide sodium topical [ SUL-fa-SEET-a-mide-SOE-dee-um-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand names: Klaron, Ovace, Ovace Plus, Plexion NS, Mexar, ... show all 8 brands Seb-Prev, Sebizon, RE 10
Dosage forms: topical cream (10%), topical foam (9.8%), topical gel (10%), topical liquid (10%), topical lotion (10%; 9.8%), ... show all 7 dosage forms topical shampoo (10%; 9.8%), topical soap (10%)
Drug class: Topical antibiotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 7, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is sulfacetamide sodium topical?

Sulfacetamide sodium topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis (an inflammatory skin condition of the scalp), and certain skin infections in adults and children at least 12 years old.

Sulfacetamide sodium topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Sulfacetamide sodium topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Sulfacetamide sodium topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using sulfacetamide sodium topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

• joint pain, swelling, or stiffness;

• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• new or worsening symptoms of lupus--joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

Common side effects of sulfacetamide sodium topical may include:

• dry skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone topical, ketoconazole topical, Decadron, mupirocin topical, Bactroban

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You may not be able to use sulfacetamide sodium topical if you are allergic to sulfacetamide sodium topical, other sulfa drugs, or if you have kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• systemic lupus erythematosus;

• low blood cell counts;

• asthma;

• a sulfite allergy; or

• liver disease.

It is not known if sulfacetamide sodium topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use sulfacetamide sodium topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the sulfacetamide sodium topical lotion, cream, foam, liquid, or shampoo well before use.

Do not apply sulfacetamide sodium topical over large skin areas.

Wash your hands after applying this medicine.

Call your doctor if your condition comes back after you stop using sulfacetamide sodium topical or if you experience skin irritation or sensitive while using this medicine for long-term.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Store the foam canister upright and keep away from open flame or high heat. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.

Sulfacetamide sodium topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Seborrheic Dermatitis:

Sodium sulfacetamide 10% topical cream and gel: Apply topically to affected areas twice daily (morning and evening) for 8 to 10 days. As conditions subsides, the interval between applications may be lengthened. Use 1 to 2 times weekly or every other week may prevent reoccurances. If condition recurs, reinitiate treatment.

Usual Adult Dose for Secondary Cutaneous Bacterial Infections:

Sodium sulfacetamide 10% topical cream and gel: Apply topically to affected areas twice daily for 8 to 10 days.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Seborrheic Dermatitis:

>=12 yrs: Sodium sulfacetamide 10% topical cream and gel: Apply topically to affected areas twice daily (morning and evening) for 8 to 10 days. As conditions subsides, the interval between applications may be lengthened. Use 1 to 2 times weekly or every other week may prevent reoccurances. If condition recurs, reinitiate treatment.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Secondary Cutaneous Bacterial Infections:

>=12 yrs: Sodium sulfacetamide 10% topical cream and gel: Apply topically to affected areas twice daily for 8 to 10 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, blood in your urine, or urinating less than usual.

What should I avoid while using sulfacetamide sodium topical?

Avoid getting sulfacetamide sodium topical in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Do not apply this medicine to broken skin, burns, peeling skin or to areas of infection unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid getting this medicine on your clothing. Sulfacetamide sodium topical may leave a slight discoloration on light fabrics.

What other drugs will affect sulfacetamide sodium topical?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• if you use medicine that contains silver such as silver sulfadiazine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect sulfacetamide sodium topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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