Sulfacetamide sodium is a prescription antibiotic used to treat various skin conditions, including acne and seborrheic dermatitis. It may be prescribed for other uses. Your doctor will discuss these off-label uses with you if appropriate.

Sulfacetamide is a generic medication that is available under various brand names. It is only available via prescription, which means its use must be authorized by a licensed healthcare provider.

Healthcare providers prescribe sulfacetamide sodium to treat various skin conditions. This includes acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Acne is a common skin condition characterized by the appearance of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes deeper, painful cysts on the skin's surface. It typically occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, forming these blemishes. The primary culprits behind acne development are an overproduction of sebum (the skin's natural oil), bacterial proliferation, hormonal fluctuations (especially during puberty), and genetics. The combination of these factors can lead to inflammation, redness, and the characteristic breakouts associated with acne.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common and chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly, and often greasy patches that can occur on the scalp, face, ears, and other areas with a high concentration of oil glands. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, or an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast. Symptoms may include itching, flaking, and mild inflammation, and the severity of the condition can vary from person to person.

Sulfacetamide sodium is classified as a sulfonamide antibiotic.

Sulfonamide antibiotics work to treat acne and seborrheic dermatitis by targeting and inhibiting the growth of bacteria on the skin's surface. These antibiotics, such as sulfacetamide, help reduce inflammation, redness, and the formation of pustules or pimples commonly associated with these skin conditions. By controlling the overgrowth of bacteria and calming skin inflammation, sulfonamide antibiotics can effectively manage and improve the symptoms of these dermatological disorders. They are often applied topically in creams, lotions, or gels as part of a dermatologist-recommended skincare regimen.

Sulfacetamide sodium has been shown to cause some mild side effects. If these adverse effects do not go away within a few days, talk to your healthcare provider.

Mild side effects reported from sulfacetamide sodium use include:

• Mild skin inflammation
  
• Red or scaling skin
  
• Skin dryness
  
• Discoloration of skin
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Skin rash
  
• Hives
  
• Fever
  
• Blistering skin
  
• Swollen or sore joints
  
• Yellowing skin or eyes
  
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
  
  

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of a severe adverse reaction or overdose requiring medical treatment.

As with all prescription medications, inform your prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with sulfacetamide sodium. This drug can interact with other medicines and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects.

Tell your doctor if you use any medications containing silver (like silver sulfadiazine) or topical medications applied to the skin. You should also tell them about any antibiotic medications you are currently taking.

This is not a complete list of all drugs that interact with sulfacetamide sodium. Make a comprehensive list of all medicines and supplements that you take before starting treatment with this drug.

You should also tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you manage.

Specifically, mention if you have or have had:

• Asthma
  
• Skin damage
  
• Kidney disease
  
• Previous reactions to sulfacetamide or other antibiotic drugs
  
• Lupus
  
• Sulfa allergy
  
  

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with sulfacetamide sodium. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it and inform your healthcare provider immediately.

Sulfacetamide sodium is supplied as a lotion that should be applied to the face or affected area. The exact dosage and frequency of application may vary depending on your healthcare provider’s orders, but this medication is generally applied twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening).

Wash your hands and the affected skin with a gentle soap and warm water before applying sulfacetamide. Pat dry with a soft towel and wait until the skin has dried. Apply a thin layer of sulfacetamide sodium to the affected area using your fingertips. After you have applied the medication, wash your hands thoroughly to clean off any medication still on your fingers.

Avoid getting this medicine into your eyes and mouth. If sulfacetamide sodium gets in your eyes, wash it with cool, clean water.

Do not discontinue or increase your sulfacetamide sodium usage without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Sulfacetamide sodium should be stored in the container it’s supplied in. Keep these containers at room temperature, away from excess heat or moisture.

Do not freeze this medication.

Keep all medicines out of sight and out of the reach of children. Ensure that the caps of all medicine bottles are tightly closed and locked (if applicable).

Sulfacetamide sodium is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed healthcare provider must authorize the use of this drug.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not sulfacetamide sodium might be right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for sulfacetamide sodium to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

Sulfacetamide sodium is a generic drug. It is available plain or in combination with sulfur. It’s available in its generic form or under brand names like:

• Klaron
  
• Ovace
  
• Plexion NS
  
• Mexar
  
• Sebizon