sulfacetamide sodium 10 % topical cleanser, gel

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Medication name

Generic name:
Sulfacetamide sodium cleanser - topical

Pronunciation
(SUL-fa-SET-a-mide SOE-dee-um)

Brand name(s)
Ovace Plus

Uses

This medication is used as a skin cleansing product to treat dandruff and other skin conditions (such as seborrheic dermatitis). It is also used to treat certain bacterial skin infections. Sulfacetamide is a sulfonamide antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

How to use

This medication is for use on the skin only.

Wash the affected area with this product as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (morning and evening) for 8 to 10 days or. Wet the skin well and apply a generous amount to the affected areas. Gently massage the medication with your fingers into the affected area until a full lather appears. Rinse well with plain water and pat area dry. Avoid getting this medication in the eyes, nose, or mouth, or on the eyelids or lips. If you do get the medication in those areas, wash with plenty of water.

How often you use this medication is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

At least once a week, wash your hair normally with regular (non-medicated) shampoo.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not use more of this medication, use it more often, or keep using it for longer than prescribed. Your skin will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects may be increased.

If too much dryness occurs, you may need to rinse the cleanser off sooner or use the product less often. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

As your condition improves, your doctor may direct you to use this product less often to keep your condition under control (once/twice weekly or every other week). Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Side effects

This medication may cause redness, stinging, or burning of the skin. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Rarely, serious side effects have occurred with other sulfa antibiotics that are taken by mouth. Although this effect is unlikely with sulfa medications that are applied to the skin, tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

  • joint pain
  • butterfly-shaped rash around the nose and cheeks
  • unexplained fever
  • mouth sores
  • signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever)
  • unusual weakness/tiredness
  • unusual bleeding/bruising
  • dark urine
  • yellowing eyes/skin

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a fungal skin infection. Do not use this medication for longer than prescribed. Contact your doctor if you notice new or worsening symptoms.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • severe dizziness
  • trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using sulfacetamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other sulfonamides such as sulfamethoxazole; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • broken/scraped/injured skin in the affected area

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are:

  • products containing silver that are applied to the skin (such as silver sulfadiazine)
Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, pink/red urine.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This product may temporarily stain clothing. The stain will usually wash out with normal cleaning.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature. Different brands of this medication may have different storage requirements. Refer to the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the brand you are using. Do not freeze. This medication may darken slightly over time. This darkening does not change the effectiveness or safety of the medication. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Important note

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Information last revised November 2024.

Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.