Mexar

Mexar (for the skin) is used to treat acne, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis (a skin condition that causes inflammation on the scalp), and certain skin infections in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

Mexar may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are using other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

You may not be able to use Mexar if you are allergic to Mexar, other sulfa drugs, or if you have kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• systemic lupus erythematosus;
• low blood cell counts;
• asthma;
• a sulfite allergy; or
• liver disease.

It is not known if Mexar will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Mexar may cause serious side effects. Stop using Mexar and call your doctor right away if you have:

• joint pain, swelling, or stiffness;
• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath;
• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• new or worsening symptoms of lupus--joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse in sunlight.

Common side effects of Mexar may include:

• dry skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the Mexar lotion, cream, foam, liquid, or shampoo well before use.

Do not apply Mexar over large skin areas.

Wash your hands after applying this medicine.

Call your doctor if your condition comes back after you stop using Mexar or if you experience skin irritation or sensitive while using this medicine for long-term.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Store the foam canister upright and keep away from open flame or high heat. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, blood in your urine, or urinating less than usual.

Avoid getting Mexar in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Do not apply this medicine to broken skin, burns, peeling skin, or to areas of infection unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid getting this medicine on your clothing. Mexar may leave a slight discoloration on light fabrics.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• if you use medicine that contains silver such as silver sulfadiazine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Mexar, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.