Sumaxin Wash: Package Insert / Prescribing Info
Package insert / product label
Generic name: sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur solution
Dosage form: topical solution
Drug class: Topical antibiotics
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 14, 2025.
On This Page
Sumaxin Wash Description
Sodium sulfacetamide is a sulfonamide with antibacterial activity while sulfur acts as a keratolytic agent. Chemically sodium sulfacetamide is N-[(4-aminophenyl) sulfonyl]-acetamide, monosodium salt, monohydrate. The structural formula is:
Each mg of Sumaxin® (sodium sulfacetamide 9% & sulfur 4%) Wash contains 90 mg of sodium sulfacetamide and 40 mg of sulfur in a formulation consisting of: aloe, butylated hydroxytoluene, cetyl alcohol, disodium oleamido MEA sulfosuccinate, edetate disodium, fragrance, glyceryl stearate/PEG-100 stearate, green tea, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium thiosulfate, stearyl alcohol, xanthan gum.
Sumaxin Wash - Clinical Pharmacology
The most widely accepted mechanism of action of sulfonamides is the Woods-Fildes theory, which is based on the fact that sulfonamides act as competitive antagonists to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), an essential component for bacterial growth. While absorption through intact skin has not been determined, sodium sulfacetamide is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract when taken orally and excreted in the urine, largely unchanged. The biological half-life has variously been reported as 7 to 12.8 hours. The exact mode of action of sulfur in the treatment of acne is unknown, but it has been reported that it inhibits the growth of Propionibacterium acnes and the formation of free fatty acids.
Indications and Usage for Sumaxin Wash
Sumaxin® (sodium sulfacetamide 9% & sulfur 4%) Wash is indicated for the topical control of acne vulgaris, acne rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.
Contraindications
Sumaxin® (sodium sulfacetamide 9% & sulfur 4%) Wash is contraindicated for use by patients having known hypersensitivity to sulfonamides, sulfur or any other component of this preparation. Sumaxin® (sodium sulfacetamide 9% & sulfur 4%) Wash is not to be used by patients with kidney disease.
Warnings
Although rare, sensitivity to sodium sulfacetamide may occur. Therefore, caution and careful supervision should be observed when prescribing this drug for patients who may be prone to hypersensitivity to topical sulfonamides. Systemic toxic reactions such as agranulocytosis, acute hemolytic anemia, purpura hemorrhagica, drug fever, jaundice, and contact dermatitis indicate hypersensitivity to sulfonamides. Particular caution should be employed if areas of denuded or abraded skin are involved.
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Keep away from eyes. Keep out of reach of children. Keep container tightly closed.
Precautions
General
If irritation develops, use of the product should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. Patients should be carefully observed for possible local irritation or sensitization during long-term therapy. The object of this therapy is to achieve desquamation without irritation, but sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur can cause reddening and scaling of the epidermis. These side effects are not unusual in the treatment of acne vulgaris, but patients should be cautioned about the possibility.
Information for Patients
Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, lips and mucous membranes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse with water. If excessive irritation develops, discontinue use and consult your physician.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis and Impairment of Fertility
Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential.
PREGNANCY
Category C
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Sumaxin® (sodium sulfacetamide 9% & sulfur 4%) Wash. It is also not known whether Sumaxin® (sodium sulfacetamide 9% & sulfur 4%) Wash can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Sumaxin® (sodium sulfacetamide 9% & sulfur 4%) Wash should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
NURSING MOTHERS
It is not known whether sodium sulfacetamide is excreted in the human milk following topical use of Sumaxin® (sodium sulfacetamide 9% & sulfur 4%) Wash. However, small amounts of orally administered sulfonamides have been reported to be eliminated in human milk. In view of this and because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Sumaxin® (sodium sulfacetamide 9% & sulfur 4%) Wash are administered to a nursing woman.
Sumaxin Wash Dosage and Administration
Apply Sumaxin® (sodium sulfacetamide 9% & sulfur 4%) Wash once or twice daily to affected areas, or as directed by your physician. Wet skin and liberally apply to areas to be cleansed. Massage gently into skin for 10-20 seconds, working into a full lather, rinse thoroughly and pat dry. If drying occurs, it may be controlled by rinsing off Sumaxin® (sodium sulfacetamide 9% & sulfur 4%) Wash sooner or using less often.
How is Sumaxin Wash supplied
Sumaxin® (sodium sulfacetamide 9% & sulfur 4%) Wash is available in a 16 oz (454 g) bottle, NDC 43538-130-16.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals, Inc., at 1-973-882-7512 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
Manufactured for:
MEDIMETRIKS
PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
383 Route 46 West
Fairfield, NJ 07004-2402 USA
www.medimetriks.com
IP009-R3
Rev. 10/17
| SUMAXIN WASH
sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur lotion |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Labeler - Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (019903816) |
More about Sumaxin (sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur topical)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Drug class: topical antibiotics
- En español
Patient resources
Professional resources
Other brands
Plexion, Avar Cleanser, SSS Cleanser, Sulfacleanse 8/4, ... +10 more