sulfacetamide sodium 9.8 %-sulfur 4.8 % topical cream

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Medication name

Generic name:
Sulfacetamide/sulfur cream - topical

Pronunciation
(sull-fuh-SEET-uh-mide/SULL-fur)

Brand name(s)
Avar , Plexion SCT

Uses

This medication is used to treat acne and other skin conditions (such as rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis). It helps to relieve the symptoms of skin irritation caused by these conditions. This product contains a combination of two drugs, sulfacetamide and sulfur. Both sulfacetamide and sulfur stop the growth of bacteria on the skin surface. Sulfur also has a drying effect on the skin that helps the skin to shed old cells.

How to use

This medication is for use on the skin only.

The directions for use of this product vary depending on the brand that you are prescribed. Follow the directions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

Avoid getting any of this medication in the eyes or inside the nose or mouth.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.

Side effects

Mild redness and dry skin may occur. If either of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

  • skin irritation
  • scaling of the skin

You may be at increased risk for side effects if this medication is used on raw or broken skin. Consult your doctor for details.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • severe dizziness
  • trouble breathing
  • signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever)
  • unusual weakness
  • easy bleeding/bruising
  • yellowing eyes/skin

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using sulfacetamide with sulfur, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either of these drugs; or to sulfa medications; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • kidney problems
  • cracked skin or open wounds (especially on the face or hands)

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if the drugs in this product pass into breast milk when applied to the skin. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are:

  • skin products containing silver (such as silver sulfadiazine)
Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Important note

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Information last revised May 2024.

Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.