salicylic acid/sulfur shampoo (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:MG217 Medicated Tar-Free Shampoo, Sebex

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

salicylic acid/sulfur shampoo

shampoo

  • 2%/2%

cleanser

  • 1.5%/2%

Seborrhea

Shampoo: Apply to wet hair/scalp, lather, then rinse well; use daily or every other day; 1-2 treatments per week may maintain control

Cleanser: Use daily or every other day

Safety & efficacy not established

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Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Stinging/burning of scalp

Desquamation

High concentrations (>10%) may cause muscle cramps, dizziness, vomiting, headache

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Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Cautions

Topical use only

Avoid contact with eyes

Children < 2 years more sensitive to sulfur than adults

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Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy category: C

Lactation: Unknown

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

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Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Keratolytic agent; breaks down keratin and promotes skin peeling

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: 1% absorbed

Metabolism: Reduced to hydrogen sulfate

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Images

No images available for this drug.
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Patient Handout

A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
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Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.