Sulfur and Sulfacetamide

This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

AVAR; AVAR LS; AVAR-e; AVAR-e Green; AVAR-e LS; BP 10-1; BP Cleansing Wash; Clarifoam EF [DSC]; Clenia Plus; Clenia [DSC]; Plexion; Prascion [DSC]; Rosanil [DSC]; Rosula Wash [DSC]; Rosula [DSC]; SSS 10-5; SulfaCleanse 8/4; Sulfamez Wash; Sumadan; Sumadan XLT; Sumaxin; Virti-sulf [DSC]; Zma Clear

Brand Names: Canada

Sulfacet-R

What is this drug used for?

  • It is used to treat pimples (acne).
  • It is used to treat rosacea.
  • It is used to control seborrheic dermatitis.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

  • If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
  • If you have a sulfa allergy.
  • If you are using drugs that have silver in them.
  • If you have kidney disease.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Do not put on cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin.
  • Use of other skin products while using this drug may cause more irritation.
  • Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
  • Do not use longer than you have been told by the doctor.
  • If you use this drug too often, your skin problem may become worse.
  • This drug may stain clothing or fabric. Protect clothing and fabrics from staining.
  • This drug may cause harm if swallowed. If this drug is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Skin irritation.
  • Rarely, severe effects have happened with sulfa drugs. Sometimes, these have been deadly. These effects have included liver problems, blood problems, and severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). Call your doctor right away if you have a rash; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes; fever, chills, or sore throat; cough that is new or worse; feeling very tired or weak; any bruising or bleeding; or signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
  • A health problem called lupus has happened with drugs like this one. One death has been reported. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of lupus like a rash on your cheeks or other body parts, sunburn easy, muscle or joint pain, chest pain or shortness of breath, or swelling in the arms or legs.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • Dry skin.
  • Itching.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

  • Do not take this drug by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • If this drug gets on the lips or eyelids, rinse off with water.
  • Wash your hands before and after use.
  • Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
  • Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) unless told to do so by the doctor.

Cleanser, Wash:

  • Wet skin.
  • Put on the affected skin, work into a lather, and rinse well.

Cloth:

  • Wet with water before use.
  • Lather well and rinse.

Cream, lotion:

  • Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
  • Put a thin layer on the affected part and rub in gently.

Suspension:

  • Some brands of this drug must be lathered well and then rinsed off your skin. Some brands must be rubbed gently into the skin. Be sure you know how to use your brand. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how to use this drug.

Foam and suspension:

  • Shake well before use.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
  • Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:

  • Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
  • Keep lid tightly closed.
  • Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
  • Protect from heat.
  • Some color change may be normal for certain products during storage. If you are not sure about this, talk with your pharmacist.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Foam:

  • Protect from heat and sunlight. Do not puncture or burn even if it seems empty.

General drug facts

  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-04-27

Copyright

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Last Updated

Monday, December 12, 2022