Uses
This medication is used to treat acne. It works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria on the skin that can worsen acne. Sodium sulfacetamide belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfa antibiotics.
How to use Sulfacetamide Sodium Suspension, Topical
This medication is for use on the skin only.
Shake the container well before each use. With clean hands, apply a thin film of the lotion to the areas of skin with acne as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Wash your hands with soap and water after each use.
Avoid getting this medication in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If you do get medication into these areas, rinse with plenty of water.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not use large amounts of this medication, use it more often, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects may be increased.
Tell your doctor if your acne does not improve after a few weeks. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if your acne worsens, or if you develop a rash or other serious side effects. See Side Effects section.
Side Effects
Skin redness, irritation, stinging, and burning at the application site may occur and lessen over time as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, stop using this medication and 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, sodium sulfacetamide products applied to the skin may be absorbed and may cause serious side effects. Stop using this product and tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: aching/swollen joints, rash on nose and cheeks, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), signs of anemia (such as unusual tiredness/weakness, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat), unusual bleeding/bruising, signs of liver problems (such as nausea that doesn't stop, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, stomach/abdominal pain, vomiting), mouth sores.
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 lotion, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to sulfa antibiotics (such as sulfamethoxazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sulfites), 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.
Tell your doctor if there are areas of skin near where this product will be applied that are cut, scraped, burned, or infected. Injured skin may absorb more of this product, and the chance of serious side effects may increase.
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.
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: skin products containing silver.
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.
Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all medical appointments.
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.
Store at room temperature. 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.
Images
![sulfacetamide sodium (acne) 10 % lotion (suspension)](https://img.medscapestatic.com/pi/features/drugdirectory/octupdate/OCN00100.jpg)
sulfacetamide sodium (acne) 10 % lotion (suspension)
Color: Shape: Imprint:This medicine is a suspension
![sulfacetamide sodium (acne) 10 % lotion (suspension)](https://img.medscapestatic.com/pi/features/drugdirectory/octupdate/PRG08961.jpg)
sulfacetamide sodium (acne) 10 % lotion (suspension)
Color: off-whiteShape: Imprint:This medicine is a suspension
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.