What is Mexar (Sulfacetamide Sodium Topical)?
Sulfacetamide sodium is an antibacterial medication that interferes with the growth of 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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Mexar (Sulfacetamide Sodium Topical)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to sulfacetamide sodium or sulfa drugs.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have asthma or are sensitive to sulfites, or if you are also using silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene, Thermazene).
Do not spread sulfacetamide sodium topical over a large skin area. Your body may absorb more of this medication if you use too much, or if you apply it to skin that is severely burned, scraped, or irritated.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse during treatment.
Avoid getting this medication in your nose, mouth, or eyes.
Stop using sulfacetamide sodium topical and call your doctor at once if you have any type of skin rash (mild or severe), joint pain or swelling, fever or sore throat, mouth sores, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, a new or worsening infection, or stomach pain with loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Mexar(Sulfacetamide Sodium Topical)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to sulfacetamide sodium or sulfa drugs.
If you have asthma or are sensitive to sulfites, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use sulfacetamide sodium topical.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sulfacetamide sodium is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether sulfacetamide sodium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use sulfacetamide sodium topical on a child younger than 12 years old.
Mexar Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Mexar (Sulfacetamide Sodium Topical)?
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 medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
- patchy skin color, red spots, a butterfly-shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose
- the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild
- joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
- signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, mouth sores, unusual weakness
- pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding
- new or worsening skin infection; or
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Less serious 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 medication)
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.
Mexar Interactions
What other drugs affect Mexar (Sulfacetamide Sodium Topical)?
Tell your about all other medications you use, especially silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene, Thermazene, and others).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with sulfacetamide sodium. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Mexar (Sulfacetamide Sodium Topical)?
Do not use this medication for any skin infection that has not been checked by a doctor.
Avoid getting this medication in your nose, mouth, or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Avoid getting sulfacetamide sodium topical soap on your eyelids or lips while washing with it.
Avoid getting this medication on your clothing. Sulfacetamide sodium topical may leave a slight yellow color on light fabrics.
Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. Sulfacetamide sodium can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Do not use other medicated skin products on the same area unless your doctor tells you to.
Mexar Dosage
How should I take Mexar (Sulfacetamide Sodium Topical)?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Make sure the treatment area is clean and dry before using sulfacetamide sodium topical cream, gel, lotion, or solution. Apply the medication in a thin layer and rub in gently.
You may need to shake the medication before each use. Follow the directions on your medicine label.
To use sulfacetamide sodium soap, wet the skin and apply enough of the medication 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.
Wash your hands after applying this medication.
If you are using this medication on your scalp, wash your hair with a non-medicated shampoo at least once per week during treatment.
Sulfacetamide sodium topical is usually applied twice daily for 8 to 10 days. Space your doses evenly by applying the medication at the same times each day.
You may need to continue using the medication 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.
Do not spread sulfacetamide sodium topical over a large skin area. Your body may absorb more of this medication if you use too much, or if you apply it to skin that is severely burned, scraped, or irritated.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse during treatment.
Use sulfacetamide sodium topical only for the condition your doctor prescribed it to treat. Do not attempt to treat other skin conditions or infections without your doctor’s advice.
Store sulfacetamide sodium topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
What happens if I overdose on Mexar (Sulfacetamide Sodium Topical)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, blood in your urine, or decreased urination.
What happens if I miss a dose of Mexar (Sulfacetamide Sodium Topical)?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com