Avar
(sulfacetamide sodium)Avar Prescribing Information
This product is indicated for use in the topical control of acne vulgaris, acne rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.
Shake well before using. Cleanse affected areas. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas with light massaging, 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by a physician.
This product is contraindicated in persons with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the product. This product is not to be used by patients with kidney disease.
Reports of irritation and hypersensitivity to sodium sulfacetamide are uncommon. The following adverse reactions, reported after administration of sterile ophthalmic sodium sulfacetamide, are noteworthy: instances of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and instances of local hypersensitivity which progressed to a syndrome resembling systemic lupus erythematosus; in one case a fatal outcome was reported (see WARNINGS).
Each gram contains 100 mg of sodium sulfacetamide and 50 mg of colloidal sulfur in a vehicle consisting of: benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, disodium EDTA, fragrance, glyceryl stearate (and) PEG-100 stearate, magnesium aluminum silicate, PEG-150 distearate, phenoxyethanol, polyethylene glycol 400, purified water, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, stearyl alcohol and xanthan gum.
Sodium sulfacetamide is a sulfonamide with antibacterial activity while sulfur acts as a keratolytic agent. Sodium sulfacetamide is C 8H 9N 2NaO 3S·H 2O with molecular weight of 254.24. Chemically, sodium sulfacetamide is N-[(4-aminophenyl) sulfonyl]-acetamide, monosodium salt, monohydrate. The structural formula is:
Sodium sulfacetamide is an odorless, white, crystalline powder with a bitter taste. It is freely soluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol, while practically insoluble in benzene, in chloroform and in ether.
Sodium sulfacetamide exerts a bacteriostatic effect against sulfonamide sensitive Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms commonly isolated from secondary cutaneous pyogenic infections. It acts by restricting the synthesis of folic acid required by bacteria for growth, by its competition with para-aminobenzoic acid. There is no clinical data available on the degree and rate of systemic absorption of this product when applied to the skin or scalp. However, significant absorption of sodium sulfacetamide through the skin has been reported.
The following in vitro data is available but the clinical significance is unknown. Organisms that show susceptibility to sodium sulfacetamide are: Streptococci, Staphylococci, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas pyocyanea, Salmonella species, Proteus vulgaris, Nocardia and Actinomyces.
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.
This product is supplied in the following size(s):
2 oz. (57 g) bottles, NDC 44523-542-02
To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, call 1-866-762-2365.
Manufactured for:
BIOCOMP PHARMA ®, INC
San Antonio, TX 78230 1355
L64202R0222
Sulfonamides are known to cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome in hypersensitive individuals. Stevens-Johnson syndrome also has been reported following the use of sodium sulfacetamide topically. Cases of drug-induced systemic lupus erythematosus from topical sulfacetamide also have been reported. In one of these cases, there was a fatal outcome. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.