What Is Sulfacetamide Topical and How Does It Work?
Sulfacetamide Topical is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Sulfacetamide Topical is available under the following different brand names: Klaron, Ovace Plus, Ovace Plus Shampoo, Ovace Plus Wash, Ovace Wash
What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Sulfacetamide Topical?
Common side effects of Sulfacetamide Topical include:
- swelling
- itching
- redness
- dry skin and yellow discoloration of treated skin (this may be a sign of excessive application)
Serious side effects of Sulfacetamide Topical include:
- 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
Rare side effects of Sulfacetamide Topical include:
- none
Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, coordination loss, unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
- Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
- Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.
This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What Are the Dosages of Sulfacetamide Topical?
Adult and pediatric dosage
Lotion
- 10% (Klaron)
Cream
- 10% (Ovace Plus)
Shampoo
- 10% (Ovace Plus Shampoo)
- Wash, oil in water emulsion
- 10% (Ovace Plus Wash)
Wash
- 10% (Ovace Wash)
Acne vulgaris
Adult dosage
- Klaron: Apply thin film Topically to affected areas two times a day
Pediatric dosage
- Children younger than 12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
- Klaron for children aged 12 years and older: Apply thin film Topically to affected areas two times a day
Seborrheic dermatitis
Adult dosage
- Ovace Plus Cream: Apply to affected areas two times a day for 8 to 10 days
- Ovace Wash, Ovace Plus Wash: Wash affected areas two times a day for 8 to 10 days
- For cream or wash, as the condition subsides, lengthen the interval between applications to once or twice weekly or every other week to prevent a recurrence
- Ovace Plus Shampoo: Apply to wet hair, massage vigorously into the scalp, and rinse thoroughly; use at least twice/week
Pediatric dosage
- Children younger than 12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
- Children aged 12 years and older
- Ovace Plus Cream: Apply to affected areas two times a day for 8 to 10 days
- Ovace Wash, Ovace Plus Wash: Wash affected areas two times a day for 8 to 10 days
- For cream or wash, as the condition subsides, lengthen the interval between applications to once or twice weekly or every other week to prevent a recurrence
- Ovace Plus Shampoo: Apply to wet hair, massage vigorously into the scalp, and rinse thoroughly; use at least twice/week
Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:
- See “Dosages”
What Other Drugs Interact with Sulfacetamide Topical?
If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, healthcare provider, or pharmacist first.
- Sulfacetamide Topical has severe interactions with no other drugs
- Sulfacetamide Topical has serious interactions with no other drugs
- Sulfacetamide Topical has moderate interactions with the following drug:
- silver nitrate
- Sulfacetamide Topical has minor interactions with no other drugs
This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, health questions, or concerns.
What Are Warnings and Precautions for Sulfacetamide Topical?
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
Effects of drug abuse
- None
Short-Term Effects
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Sulfacetamide Topical?”
Long-Term Effects
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Sulfacetamide Topical?”
Cautions
- Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes
- Severe reactions to sulfonamides including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, fulminant hepatic necrosis, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and other blood dyscrasias reported
- Avoid UV exposure
- Contains sodium metabisulfite which is known to cause allergic reactions
Pregnancy and Lactation
- Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy
- Lactation
- Not known whether excreted in breast milk, use caution