Sodium Sulfacetamide / Sulfur

Pregnancy

No studies have been done on pregnant animals to test the risks of sodium sulfacetamide / sulfur on the fetus when used during pregnancy. 

The amount of sodium sulfacetamide that is absorbed into the bloodstream following topical use is unknown. It is known that the use of oral sulfonamides (sodium sulfacetamide is a sulfonamide) may cause kernicterus (a form of brain damage caused by severe jaundice) in the baby, if used by the pregnant mother. 

Talk to your doctor about using topical sodium sulfacetamide / sulfur during pregnancy.

Category: C

Category A

Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).

Category B

Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Category C

Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Category D

There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Category X

Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.

Breastfeeding

Excretion into human milk: Unknown (for topical use)

It is unknown whether topically applied sodium sulfacetamide / sulfur gets excreted in breastmilk but it is reported that oral sulfonamides (such as sodium sulfacetamide) are excreted in breastmilk. The use of oral sulfonamides may cause kernicterus (a form of brain damage caused by severe jaundice) in the baby if used while breastfeeding. Therefore, caution should is necessary when using sodium sulfacetamide / sulfur while breastfeeding. 

Do not apply sodium sulfacetamide / sulfur to the nipple area and make sure the infant’s skin does not come into contact with the areas of skin that have been treated with sodium sulfacetamide / sulfur.

If you are breastfeeding, speak with your physician before you use sodium sulfacetamide / sulfur.