This medication is used to treat several skin problems (acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis). Sodium sulfacetamide belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfa antibiotics. It works by killing certain bacteria on the skin that can lead to acne and other problems. The sulfur in this product helps to remove dead skin and unclog pores.

How to use Clarifoam EF Top
Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of this information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Use this medication on the skin only. To avoid irritation, do not let this medication come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, or any broken skin (e.g., cuts, scrapes, rashes). If you do get the medication in those areas, flush the area with cool water. Wash your hands with soap and water after each application.
Clean the area of skin with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Shake the container well before each use. Depending on the brand prescribed, you may need to prime the container before first use by pressing down for 3 to 5 seconds until foam appears. Follow the package directions for your specific brand. Some brands should be held upright to dispense the foam, while other brands should be held with the nozzle pointing downward. Holding the container the wrong way can cause an incorrect amount of medication to be dispensed. Follow the package directions for your specific brand. Apply a small amount of foam on the fingertips and massage the foam into the affected area. Depending on the brand used, wait between 1 to 10 minutes. Rinse the area well with water and pat dry. Your doctor may direct you not to wash the foam off. In that case, massage the foam into the affected area and wipe off any extra foam.
Use this product as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on the brand you use, your medical condition, and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not use more of this medication, use it more frequently, or keep using it for longer than prescribed. Your skin will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects may be increased.
Tell your doctor if your acne does not improve or if it worsens.

Redness/itching/swelling/flaking at the site of application may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Although this effect is unlikely with sulfa medications that are applied to the skin, serious side effects have rarely occurred with other sulfa antibiotics that are taken by mouth. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, unexplained fever, fast heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever), bluish/pale skin, severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusual tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using sulfacetamide with sulfur, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to sulfacetamide or sulfur; or to other sulfa antibiotics (e.g., sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: kidney disease.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: products containing silver that are applied to the skin (e.g., silver sulfadiazine).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all medical appointments.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store the product upright at room temperature away from light. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
The contents of this can are under pressure. Do not puncture or burn the container. Do not expose to open flame or high temperatures (above 120 degrees F or 49 degrees C).
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised August 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.