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Overview: Sulfacetamide is a medicine that is used to treat various skin and scalp conditions, such as acne, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and certain types of skin infections. The most common side effects are redness, itching, irritation, swelling, stinging, or burning where applied. Sulfacetamide is available as a cream, liquid, and lotion that is applied to the skin, as well as a shampoo that is used to wash the scalp. Stop this medicine and call your health care provider right away if you get a rash.

Uses

What is sulfacetamide used for?

Sulfacetamide is commonly used for the following conditions, depending on the form prescribed.

  • Acne vulgaris, a common type of acne that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples on your skin 
  • Seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition that causes an itchy rash with flaky scales
  • Seborrhea sicca (dandruff), a common condition that affects the scalp and causes dry, white flakes of skin 
  • Certain types of skin infections

Sulfacetamide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Note: The FDA has not found some forms of this medicine to be safe and effective, and the label is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about unapproved drugs here.

How does sulfacetamide work (mechanism of action)?

Sulfacetamide works by stopping the growth of bacteria (germs).

How is sulfacetamide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Klaron
  • Ovace
  • Ovace Plus
  • Plexion NS

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 9.9% shampoo
  • 10% cream, liquid, lotion, and shampoo

Another form of sulfacetamide is available for use in the eyes. See Sulfacetamide ophthalmic for more information.

How should I store sulfacetamide?

Sulfacetamide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of sulfacetamide?

The most common side effects of sulfacetamide are redness, itching, irritation, swelling, stinging, or burning where applied. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of sulfacetamide that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of sulfacetamide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of sulfacetamide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sulfacetamide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using sulfacetamide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Skin Reactions. Sulfacetamide can cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop sulfacetamide and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Lupus-Like Symptoms. Sulfacetamide can cause symptoms that look like a condition called lupus. Stop using sulfacetamide and call your health care provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms. 

  • Rash
  • Joint pain/arthritis
  • Sores in the mouth
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Swollen glands
  • Reduced need to pee
  • Pink, red, or brown pee 
  • Swelling

Blood Disorders. Sulfacetamide can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, or hemolytic anemia. Stop using sulfacetamide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using sulfacetamide. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)

Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use sulfacetamide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use sulfacetamide.

  • Klaron
  • Ovace
  • Ovace Plus
  • Plexion NS
  • Sulfacetamide
  • Any medicine known as a sulfonamide 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sulfacetamide products they stock.

Kidney Problems. Sulfacetamide should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your health care provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to use this medicine.

What should I know about sulfacetamide before using it?

Do not use sulfacetamide unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share sulfacetamide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep sulfacetamide out of the reach of children.

Sulfacetamide is only applied to your skin or scalp, depending on the product. Do not use the medicine in or on the eyes, mouth, lips, or vagina.

Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly use the sulfacetamide product you are prescribed. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

During storage, some sulfacetamide products may darken slightly. This is normal and does not affect how they work. Shake this medicine each time before you use it.

White fabric may turn a different color if it touches this medicine. Any color change can likely be removed in the laundry without the need for bleach.

Stop using sulfacetamide and call your health care provider if your condition worsens or you get a new rash anywhere on your body.

What should I tell my health care provider before using sulfacetamide?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if sulfacetamide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems 
  • Asthma

Sulfite Allergy. Some sulfacetamide products contain a sulfite that may cause severe allergic reactions. This may be more likely to occur in people with asthma. Tell your health care provider if you have a sulfite allergy. 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Sulfacetamide may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using sulfacetamide, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how sulfacetamide could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if sulfacetamide passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use sulfacetamide while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does sulfacetamide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between sulfacetamide and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between sulfacetamide and alcohol.

Does sulfacetamide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any medicines that contain silver, such as silver sulfadiazine, which is a cream that is applied to the skin to prevent and treat infections related to certain types of burns.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with sulfacetamide. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much sulfacetamide?

If you or someone else has used too much sulfacetamide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of sulfacetamide?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.