Drug Notes

Sulfacetamide/urea (On the skin)

Sulfacetamide (sul-fa-SET-a-mide), Urea (ure-EE-a)

Treats dandruff and some skin infections on the scalp caused by bacteria.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Kit, Lotion

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to apply and how often to apply it. Do not use more medicine or apply it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• Your scalp should be clean before you apply the medicine.
• For best results, use the medicine before you go to bed, and allow the medicine to remain on your scalp all night.
• Part your hair, then squeeze a little bit of the medicine from the tube onto your scalp. Spread the medicine along the part and massage it into your scalp. Repeat these steps until you have applied the lotion to your entire scalp. Brush your hair for 2 to 3 minutes to remove any extra medicine.
• Keep using the medicine for the full treatment time, even if your scalp is better. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
• You can brush and style your hair as usual after using the medicine.
• Wash your hair at least once a week while you are using this medicine, but do not wash it right after you have applied the medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the medicine.
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a medicine containing silver, such as silver nitrite or silver sulfadiazine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Fever.
• Pain or swelling in your joints.
• Sores in your mouth.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea or vomiting.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017