What is Avar Gel (Sulfacetamide Sodium Sulfur Topical)?
Sodium sulfacetamide is an antibacterial agent. Sodium sulfacetamide interferes with the growth of bacteria on the skin. Sulfur may also inhibit the growth of bacteria on the skin and it may cause drying of the skin.
Sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical is used in the treatment of acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis (a red, flaking skin rash).
Sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Avar Gel (Sulfacetamide Sodium Sulfur Topical)?
Stop using sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical and contact your healthcare provider if you develop new or worsening signs of a skin rash, soreness of the joints, fever, or sores in the mouth.
Do not use other topical products on the same area unless otherwise directed by your doctor. They may interfere with the effects or absorption of sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical.
Do not cover the area after applying sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Avar Gel (Sulfacetamide Sodium Sulfur Topical)?
Do not use sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical without first talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to sulfa products. You may not be able to use sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical, or you may require special monitoring during treatment.
Do not apply sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical to large areas of open, broken, burned, or infected skin without first talking to your doctor. Large areas of damaged skin may allow more medicine to be absorbed by the body, possibly resulting in side effects.
Sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether sodium sulfacetamide passes into breast milk. Do not use sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Avar Gel Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Avar Gel (Sulfacetamide Sodium Sulfur Topical)?
Serious side effects are not likely to occur with the use of sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical. Stop using sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience
- an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives)
- new or worsening signs of a skin rash
- soreness of the joints
- fever; or
- sores in the mouth
More commonly, you may experience some redness, warmth, swelling, itching, stinging, burning, or irritation of the treated area. If these side effects are excessive, notify your doctor.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Avar Gel Interactions
What other drugs affect Avar Gel (Sulfacetamide Sodium Sulfur Topical)?
Do not use other topical products on the same area unless otherwise directed by your doctor. They may interfere with the effects or absorption of sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
What should I avoid while taking Avar Gel (Sulfacetamide Sodium Sulfur Topical)?
Do not use other topical products on the same area unless otherwise directed by your doctor. They may interfere with the effects or absorption of sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical.
Do not cover the area after applying sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful.
Avar Gel Dosage
How should I take Avar Gel (Sulfacetamide Sodium Sulfur Topical)?
Use sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication.
Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin film of the medication.
Avoid application of the medication to the eyes, the inside of the nose and mouth, the lips, and areas where the skin is broken. If medication gets on any of these areas, rinse it off with water.
Do not cover the affected area after applying sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful.
It is important to use sodium sulfacetamide regularly to get the most benefit. It may take several weeks or more to see the effects of this drug.
Store sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Avar Gel (Sulfacetamide Sodium Sulfur Topical)?
An overdose of sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur topical is unlikely to threaten life. If an overdose is suspected or if the medication has been ingested, call a poison control center or an emergency room for advice.
What happens if I miss a dose of Avar Gel (Sulfacetamide Sodium Sulfur Topical)?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and apply only the next regularly scheduled dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com