sodium sulfacetamide topical Health Article

Generic name(s):

sodium sulfacetamide topical

Brand name(s):

sulfacetamide sodium topical, Klaron, Sebizon

What is the most important information I should know about sodium sulfacetamide topical?

Stop using sodium sulfacetamide topical and contact your healthcare provider if you develop new or worsening signs of a skin rash, soreness of the joints, fever, or sores in the mouth. Do not use other topical products on the same area unless otherwise directed by your doctor. They may interfere with the effects or absorption of sodium sulfacetamide topical. Do not cover the area after applying sodium sulfacetamide topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful.

What is sodium sulfacetamide topical?

Sodium sulfacetamide is an antibacterial agent. Sodium sulfacetamide topical interferes with the growth of bacteria on the skin.

Sodium sulfacetamide topical is used in the treatment of acne, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis (red, flaking skin rash).

Sodium sulfacetamide topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using sodium sulfacetamide topical?

Do not use sodium sulfacetamide topical without first talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to sulfa products. You may not be able to use sodium sulfacetamide topical, or you may require special monitoring during treatment.

Do not apply sodium sulfacetamide topical to large areas of open, broken, burned, or infected skin without first talking to your doctor. Large areas of damaged skin may allow more medicine to be absorbed by the body, possibly resulting in side effects.

Sodium sulfacetamide topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether sodium sulfacetamide topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use sodium sulfacetamide topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether sodium sulfacetamide passes into breast milk. Do not use sodium sulfacetamide topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use sodium sulfacetamide topical?

Use sodium sulfacetamide topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after applying the medication.

Shake the lotion well before using it. Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin film of lotion.

If the scalp is the affected area, wash the hair before applying the medication. Part the hair one section at a time and apply a small quantity of lotion. Gently rub the lotion in with the fingertips to completely moisten the scalp. Brush the hair thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes. For best results, the medication should be applied at bedtime and allowed to remain on the hair overnight unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The hair should be washed at least once a week. Rinsing with plain water or thorough brushing will remove any excess medication between washes.

Do not cover the affected area after applying sodium sulfacetamide topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful.

It is important to use sodium sulfacetamide regularly to get the most benefit. It may take several weeks or more to see the effects of this drug.

Store sodium sulfacetamide topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and apply only the next regularly scheduled dose.