Sulfacetamide (Klaron) 10% is a topical sulfa antibiotic lotion used to treat acne in people ages 12 years and older. The directions are typically to apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) of skin twice per day. Sulfacetamide (Klaron) is available in both brand-name and generic versions. It's not available over the counter (OTC), so you'll need a prescription from a healthcare professional. Side effects are pretty rare with this medication, but can include skin irritation or burning.
Treatment of acne in people ages 12 years and older
Sulfacetamide (Klaron) is a sulfa antibiotic that prevents acne-causing bacteria from making a nutrient they need to survive.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
Applied directly to the affected area(s) on the skin
Has very few side effects
Not a first-choice treatment option for acne
Might not be the best choice for people who are allergic to sulfa medications
Needs to be applied twice per day
Shake sulfacetamide (Klaron) well each time before you use it to make sure it's properly mixed.
Apply sulfacetamide (Klaron) directly to your skin, but keep it away from your eyes.
For best results of clearing your acne, make sure your skin is completely dry before using sulfacetamide (Klaron). And be careful when applying it to broken skin with cuts or scrapes.
Apply a thin layer of sulfacetamide (Klaron) twice per day on the affected area(s) of the skin.
You can use a mild moisturizer as needed to help prevent your skin from becoming too dry or irritated.
Don't use medicated soaps, cleansers, shampoos, or other personal care products that might cause skin irritation without talking to a healthcare professional first. Some products contain drying agents, like alcohol, which can further irritate the skin. Ask your pharmacist or dermatologist for guidance on which products are safe to use with sulfacetamide (Klaron).
Sulfacetamide (Klaron) doesn't typically cause a lot of side effects. But it's possible to get redness and scaling of the skin after using the lotion. Let your prescriber know if this happens, as you might have to stop taking the medication.
Store sulfacetamide (Klaron) at room temperature away from heat. Keep it tightly closed and out of reach from children.
Sulfacetamide (Klaron) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Sulfonamide allergy
Severe allergic reactions to sulfacetamide (Klaron) are possible, including life-threatening reactions, like facial swelling and anaphylaxis. Although rare, this antibiotic can also cause serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).
Let your prescriber know if you have an allergy to antibiotics or medications, especially any sulfa drugs, to make sure this antibiotic is safe for you. Stop taking sulfacetamide (Klaron) and get medical attention right away if you notice any hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, skin peeling, swelling of the lips or tongue, or trouble breathing.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
118ml of 10% | 1 bottle | $297.10 | $297.10 |
Apply a thin film to the affected area(s) of the skin 2 times daily.
Allergy to sulfonamides
Treatment of acne in people ages 12 years and older
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Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (2023). Sulfacetamide sodium- sulfacetamide sodium lotion [package insert]. DailyMed.
Reynolds, R. V., et al. (2024). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
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