Sulfacetamide (Topical

This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Klaron; Ovace Plus; Ovace Plus Wash; Ovace Wash; Plexion NS; Sodium Sulfacetamide-Bakuchiol

What is this drug used for?

  • It is used to treat bacterial infections.
  • It is used to control seborrheic dermatitis.
  • It is used to treat dandruff.
  • It is used to treat pimples (acne).

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

  • If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
  • If you have a sulfa allergy.
  • If you are using drugs that have silver in them.
  • If you have kidney disease.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • This drug may stain clothing or fabric. Protect clothing and fabrics from staining.
  • Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
  • Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
  • If you use this drug too often, your skin problem may become worse.
  • Different brands of this drug may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before giving this drug to a child.
  • Use care when putting on a large part of the skin or where there are open wounds. Talk with the doctor.
  • If you are allergic to sulfites, talk with your doctor. Some products have sulfites.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Rarely, severe effects have happened with sulfa drugs. Sometimes, these have been deadly. These effects have included liver problems, blood problems, and severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes; fever, chills, or sore throat; cough that is new or worse; feeling very tired or weak; any bruising or bleeding; or signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
  • A health problem called lupus has happened with drugs like this one. One death has been reported. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of lupus like a rash on your cheeks or other body parts, sunburn easy, muscle or joint pain, chest pain or shortness of breath, or swelling in the arms or legs.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • Skin irritation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Shampoo:

  • Do not take this drug by mouth. Use on your scalp and hair only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, ears, and eyes (may burn).
  • Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
  • Shake well before use.
  • Wash your hands before and after use.
  • Wet hair and scalp.
  • Work into hair and scalp gently.
  • Rinse well.

All other products:

  • Do not take this drug by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
  • Wash your hands before and after use. If your hand is the treated area, do not wash your hand after use.
  • Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
  • Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.

Foam:

  • Shake well before use.
  • Hold upright to use. Do not turn upside down.
  • Leave on for 10 minutes.
  • Rinse treated part with water and pat dry.

Cream and lotion:

  • Some brands need to be shaken well before each use. Be sure you know whether this brand needs to be shaken before use.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
  • Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:

  • Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
  • Protect from heat.
  • Keep lid tightly closed.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

All products other than lotion for pimples (acne):

  • This drug may become a little darker over time if stored at room temperature. This does not affect how well the drug works as long as it is stored at room temperature as you have been told.

Foam:

  • Do not puncture or burn even if it seems empty.

General drug facts

  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-10-12

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Last Updated

Monday, December 12, 2022