IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
SODIUM SULFACETAMIDE SUSPENSION - TOPICAL (ACNE ONLY)
(sull-fuh-SEET-uh-mide)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Klaron
USES: This medication is used to treat acne. Sodium sulfacetamide belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfa antibiotics. It works by killing certain bacteria on the skin that can lead to acne.
HOW TO USE: Shake the container well before each use. Apply a thin film of the lotion to the areas of skin with acne, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands with soap and water after each application.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not use more of this medication, use it more frequently, or keep using it for longer than prescribed. Your acne will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects may be increased. Inform your doctor if your acne does not improve or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Skin redness/itching/swelling at the site of application may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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.
Although this effect is unlikely with sulfa medications that are applied to the skin, some rare but serious side effects have occurred with other sulfa antibiotics when taken by mouth. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: persistent nausea, vomiting, weakness, tiredness, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, loss of appetite, dark urine, painful/swollen joints, fever, new cough, easy bleeding/bruising, sudden weakness, pale skin, fast breathing.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, 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.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call 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 other sulfa antibiotics (e.g., sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole); or to sulfites; or if you have any other allergies.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: 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 or pharmacist first.
This drug should not be used on the same skin area with the following medications: skin preparations containing silver.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all medical appointments.
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 and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light. Keep all medicines 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.