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Overview: Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur is a medicine that is used to treat acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis. The most common side effects include skin irritation, flaking, and/or redness. Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur is available in many forms, including a cleanser, cream, liquid, lotion, and pad that is applied to the skin. Stop this medicine and tell your health care provider right away if you get a rash.

Uses

What is sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur used for?

Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur is commonly used for the following conditions.

  • Acne vulgaris, a common type of acne that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples on your skin 
  • Rosacea, a skin condition that can cause symptoms such as redness and small bumps
  • Seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes an itchy rash with flaky scales

Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed this medicine for safety and effectiveness, and the label is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about unapproved drugs here.

How does sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur work (mechanism of action)?

Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur contains two ingredients. Sulfacetamide sodium works by stopping the growth of bacteria (germs). Sulfur may also reduce bacterial growth, but it also seems to work by softening and breaking down unwanted areas of affected skin. It does this by breaking down a protein in your skin known as keratin. This allows the unwanted skin to go away and new fresh skin to grow in its place.

How is sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Avar
  • Avar-E Green
  • Plexion
  • Sumaxin

Dosage forms and strengths

Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur is available in many forms for use on the skin such as a cleanser, cream, lotion, and pad.

How should I store sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur?

Note: Storage may vary depending on the specific product. Ask your health care provider if you are not sure how to store your product. 

Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Some products may allow you to store them at slightly higher or lower temperatures, such as down to 59 F (15 C) or up to 86 F (30 C), for short times, such as when transporting them.

 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur?

Side effects may vary based on the sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur product used. Skin irritation, flaking, and/or redness may occur. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur?

While less common, the most serious side effects of sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Skin Reactions. Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, stop sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Lupus-Like Symptoms. Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur can cause symptoms that look like a condition called lupus. Stop using sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur and call your health care provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms. 

  • Rash
  • Joint pain/arthritis
  • Sores in the mouth
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Swollen glands
  • Reduced need to pee
  • Pink, red, or brown pee 
  • Swelling

Blood Disorders. Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Stop using sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur.

  • Avar
  • Avar-E Green
  • Plexion
  • Sulfacetamide sodium
  • Sulfur
  • Sumaxin
  • Any medicine known as a sulfonamide 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur products they stock.

Kidney Problems. Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your health care provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to use this medicine.

What should I know about sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur before using it?

Do not use sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur unless prescribed by your health care provider. Use it as directed and apply it only to the affected areas as recommended by your health care provider. Do not get this medicine in or on your eyes, mouth, lips, or vagina. 

Do not share sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur out of the reach of children.

If you are applying this medicine to large, infected, or severely burned areas, your body may absorb more medicine and you may have more side effects. Your health care provider will monitor you closely, and you may need blood tests. Keep all follow-up appointments.

During storage, some sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur products may darken slightly. This is normal and does not affect how it works. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. 

White fabric may turn a different color if it touches this medicine. Any color change can likely be removed in the laundry without the need for bleach.

Stop using sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur and call your health care provider if your condition worsens or if you get a new rash anywhere on your body.

What should I tell my health care provider before using sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur and alcohol.

Does sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any medicines that contain silver, such as silver sulfadiazine, which is a cream that is applied to the skin to prevent and treat infections related to certain types of burns.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur?

If you or someone else has used too much sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.