Sulfathiazole/sulfacetamide/sulfabenzamide (Vaginal)

Introduction

Sulfabenzamide (sul-fa-BENZ-a-mide), Sulfacetamide (sul-fa-SET-a-mide), Sulfathiazole (sul-fa-THYE-a-zole)

Treats vaginal infections.Belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonamides or sulfa drugs.

Brand Name(s)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Cream, Suppository

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often. This medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Use at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Wear only clean cotton underwear (panties) instead of nylon or rayon underwear. The medicine will come out of your vagina, so wear a minipad or sanitary napkin to protect your clothing. Be sure to use this medicine for the full course of your prescription. Continue to use it even if your menstrual period begins. Use pads rather than tampons.
• The vaginal cream is in a tube and is put into the vagina with an applicator. The applicator is an empty plastic tube called a barrel. There is a plunger on one end and an opening on the other end.
• Remove the cap from the tube of medicine. Twist the applicator onto the tube of medicine. Pull the plunger out all the way and squeeze the tube until the applicator is full. Unscrew the applicator from the tube.
• If you are using the suppositories, unwrap the tablet and place it in the applicator with the pointed side up. You may wet the tablet with warm water or a water-soluble gel (K-Y® Jelly). You should not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline®).
• Lie on your back with your knees up. Gently push the applicator high into the vagina and push the plunger to release the medicine.
• Wash the applicator with soap and water.

If a dose is missed:

• Insert the missed dose as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Keep your medicine at room temperature, away from direct heat or light. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• You should not use any other vaginal creams or medicines while using this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• Keep this cream away from your mouth and eyes. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling this medicine.
• This infection may be passed to your sexual partner. Avoid having sex until you are finished with your medicine.
• Be sure to use the medicine for the full time ordered by your doctor, even if you think the symptoms are gone. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your infection may return.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Severe skin rash
• Severe vaginal irritation
• If your infection does not get better within a few days, or gets worse

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild vaginal irritation

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088