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Sulfacetamide sodium is an antibiotic that fights bacteria on the skin.

Sulfacetamide sodium topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis (red, flaking skin rash), and certain skin infections.

Sulfacetamide sodium topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to sulfacetamide sodium or sulfa drugs.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• lupus;
• asthma; or
• a sulfite allergy.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether sulfacetamide sodium topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medicine on a child younger than 12 years old.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may need to shake the medicine before each use. Follow the directions on your medicine label.

Make sure the treatment area is clean and dry before using sulfacetamide sodium topical cream, gel, lotion, or solution. Apply the medicine in a thin layer and rub in gently.

To use sulfacetamide sodium soap, wet the skin and apply enough of the medicine to work into a lather. Massage the lather on the skin gently and then rinse thoroughly with plain water. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

Apply the foam to dry hair when treating your scalp. Massage gently into the scalp until all the foam dissolves. Allow the foam to dry completely on the treated area.

Do not apply sulfacetamide sodium topical over large skin areas.

Wash your hands after applying this medicine.

If you are using this medicine on your scalp, wash your hair with a non-medicated shampoo at least once per week during treatment.

Sulfacetamide sodium topical is usually applied 2 times per day for 8 to 10 days. Space your doses evenly by applying the medicine at the same times each day.

You may need to keep using the medicine once or twice per week, or once every other week. Follow your doctor's instructions. Call your doctor if your condition comes back after you stop using sulfacetamide sodium topical.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Store the foam canister upright and keep away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, blood in your urine, or urinating less than usual.

Do not use this medicine for any skin infection that has not been checked by a doctor.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water. Do not use the medicine on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Avoid getting sulfacetamide sodium topical soap on your eyelids or lips while washing with it.

Avoid getting this medicine on your clothing. Sulfacetamide sodium topical may leave a slight yellow color on light fabrics.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Sulfacetamide sodium topical can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with sulfacetamide sodium topical unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• new or worsening skin infection;
• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• lupus-like syndrome--joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and patchy skin color; or
• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

• mild swelling, itching, or redness of treated skin;
• dry skin; or
• yellow discoloration of treated skin (may be a sign that you have applied too much of the medicine).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene, Thermazene, and others).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with sulfacetamide sodium topical. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about sulfacetamide sodium topical.