sulfacetamide
Ovace (sulfacetamide) is a lower-cost, topical medication that can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as dandruff and bacterial infections, but there are other options available that work better. It comes in many different forms, including cream, lotion, and shampoo.
What is Ovace (sulfacetamide)?
What is Ovace (sulfacetamide) used for?
- Skin infections - cream, wash, lotion, gel, and foam
- Seborrheic dermatitis (itchy, scalp rash on scalp) - cream, wash, lotion, gel, foam, and shampoo
- Dandruff - cream, wash, lotion, gel, foam, and shampoo
How Ovace (sulfacetamide) works
Ovace (sulfacetamide) is a topical antibiotic that prevents bacteria from growing and multiplying, which helps treat skin infections and dandruff.
Drug facts
Side effects of Ovace (sulfacetamide)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
See Risks and Warnings.
Ovace (sulfacetamide) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome: flu-like symptoms, painful rash
- Lupus: fever, swollen joints, fatigue, butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
The following Ovace (sulfacetamide) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Aplastic anemia—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, increased bleeding or bruising
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Burning or stinging of the eyes after use
- Eye irritation or itching
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Pros and cons of Ovace (sulfacetamide)
Pros
- Available in a variety of forms to fit individual needs
- Most forms come in a generic version providing lower cost options
- Easy to use
- Most forms have a pleasant scent
Cons
- Not the best option available for treating dandruff
- Might need to apply the medication up to 3 times a day
- Can't be used by people who are allergic to sulfa medications
- Some forms don't come in generic and may be expensive
Pharmacist tips for Ovace (sulfacetamide)
- Don't let Ovace (sulfacetamide) come in contact with your eyes, mouth, nose, and lips to lower the risk of the medication getting absorbed into your body and causing unwanted side effects.
- If using the shampoo, shake it well, apply to wet hair, massage thoroughly, and then rinse off completely.
- For the foam, clean your skin and pat it dry before using. Shake the can well, spray it into your palm, massage into affected areas and then rinse off after 10 minutes and finally pat your skin dry. The other option is to leave the foam on without rinsing.
- For the wash and gel, apply to wet skin, massage gently into affected areas, rinse well, pat dry, and then repeat once more after 10 to 20 seconds. If your skin becomes too dry, try to rinse off the medication sooner or use it less often.
Common questions about Ovace (sulfacetamide)
Yes, the cream, lotion, foam, gel, and wash forms of Ovace (sulfacetamide) can also help treat your dandruff.
No, Ovace (sulfacetamide) is a medication that is categorized as a sulfonamide and more commonly known as a "sulfa" medication, which is different from sulfites. Ovace (sulfacetamide) is generally safe for you to use unless you are allergic to sulfa medications too.
No, Ovace (sulfacetamide) only works for specific types of skin infections, particularly ones that are sensitive to the antibacterial effects of sulfonamide or "sulfa" medications.
Ovace (sulfacetamide) is not appropriate to use in babies. However, it is safe to use in adults and children age 12 or older. If you need a similar medication for your baby, talk to your baby's provider to find the best treatment option.
Yes, sulfacetamide (Klaron) is only supposed to be used to treat acne, while Ovace (sulfacetamide) products is used to treat skin infections, dandruff, and a scaly rash on your scalp.
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Risks and warnings for Ovace (sulfacetamide)
Ovace (sulfacetamide) 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.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Risk factors: Sulfonamide allergy
Ovace (sulfacetamide) belongs to a group of antibacterial medications called sulfonamides. For people who are sensitive or allergic to sulfonamides, they are at higher risk of experiencing a rare condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. If you get symptoms, such as a painful rash that covers most of your body, fever, body aches, or other unusual side effects, get medical help right away. Tell your provider and pharmacist about any allergies you have before starting Ovace (sulfacetamide).
Lupus
Using Ovace (sulfacetamide) can cause a rare condition, called lupus, where your immune system attacks your own body. If you experience any side effects after starting this medication, such as a fever, joint pain, rash, or tiredness, let your provider know right away.
Ovace (sulfacetamide) dosage
Bottle of wash| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180ml of 10% | 1 bottle | $32.81 | $32.81 |
| 480ml of 10% | 1 bottle | $81.52 | $81.52 |
| 355ml of 10% | 1 bottle | $46.36 | $46.36 |
| 454g of 10% | 1 bottle | $77.11 | $77.11 |
| 227g of 10% | 1 bottle | $40.81 | $40.81 |
Typical dosage for Ovace (sulfacetamide)
- Cream: Apply to affected areas 2 times daily for 8 to 10 days. For scaly rash on scalp, as the condition improves, the dose can be lowered to 1 to 2 times a week or every other week for prevention.
- Lotion: For skin infection or scaly rash on scalp, apply to affected areas 2 times daily for 8 to 10 days. For scaly rash on scalp, as the condition improves, the dose can be lowered to 1 to 2 times a week or every other week for prevention.
- Foam: Apply to affected areas 1 to 3 times daily.
- Wash: For skin infections, apply to affected areas 1 to 2 times daily for 8 to 10 days. For scaly rash on scalp, wash affected areas 2 times daily for 8 to 10 days and as the condition improves, the dose can be lowered to 1 to 2 times a week or every other week for prevention.
- Shampoo: Wash hair with the shampoo at least 2 times a week.
- Gel: For skin infection or scaly rash on scalp, wash the affected areas 2 times daily and apply the medication to wet skin. Then, gently massage it into the skin, rinse well, pat dry, and then repeat after 10 to 20 seconds. Continue to do this for 8 to 10 days. Use a regular shampoo on your hair at least once a week.
How much does Ovace (sulfacetamide) cost?
Ovace (sulfacetamide) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Ovace (sulfacetamide) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergic reaction
- Kidney disease
What are alternatives to Ovace (sulfacetamide)?
Ovace (sulfacetamide) images
