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Sulfacetamide / Sulfur Coupon - Sulfacetamide / Sulfur 6 oz of 10%/5% bottle of cleanser

sulfacetamide / sulfur

Generic Plexion
Used for Seborrheic Dermatitis, Acne, Rosacea
Used for Seborrheic Dermatitis, Acne, Rosacea

Sulfacetamide / sulfur is a prescription topical skin product that's used to treat acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis. It's available as a generic medication as well as under many brand names, including Plexion, Avar, and Clenia Plus. It comes in different dosage forms, such as a cleanser, cream, lotion, face wash, and cloth. The medication is usually applied 1-3 times a day, and can be used by people 12 years and older. Side effects aren't common, but can include skin irritation in the area where it's applied.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 4, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Sulfacetamide / sulfur?

What is Sulfacetamide / sulfur used for?

How Sulfacetamide / sulfur works

Sulfacetamide / sulfur is a combination of two medications.

  • Sulfacetamide is a sulfa antibiotic that prevents bacteria from growing and multiplying.

  • Sulfur is a keratolytic agent that stops bacteria from growing and causes old skin to shed and renew.

Are you looking for information on sulfacetamide (Klaron) or sulfacetamide (Ovace) instead?
When does Sulfacetamide / sulfur start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPlexion, Avar, Clenia Plus
Drug ClassSulfonamide / keratolytic agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$106.08(save 74.10%)
GoodRx discount
$27.48
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What are the side effects of Sulfacetamide / sulfur?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

See Risks and Warnings

Other Side Effects

  • Irritation of treated skin

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reaction: hives, swelling of your face or throat, trouble breathing
  • Severe skin reaction: reddening or peeling of the skin, painful rashes, and fluid-filled blisters
When do Sulfacetamide / sulfur possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Skin irritation

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Lupus-like syndrome—joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, rashes that get worse in the sun, fever, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Sulfacetamide / sulfur

thumbs-up

Pros

Applied directly to the affected area(s) on the skin

Available in many different formulations, such as lotion, cream, cleanser, cloths, and foam

Available as a lower-cost, generic medication

thumbs-down

Cons

Might need to apply multiple times per day

Not be the best option if you're allergic to sulfa medications

Not FDA approved for children under the age of 12 years old

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Sulfacetamide / sulfur

pharmacist

  • Each formulation of sulfacetamide / sulfur is used slightly differently. Read and follow the directions on your medication carefully to make sure you use it correctly.

    • Don't apply sulfacetamide / sulfur to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin. Also, don't allow sulfacetamide / sulfur to come in contact with your mouth, nose, eyes, or mucous membranes since doing so can cause irritation.

      • Although rare, sulfacetamide / sulfur can cause a serious skin reaction. Let your dermatologist know right away if you develop a blistering rash or reddening or peeling of the skin.

        • If you develop arthritis, fever, or sores in the mouth, stop sulfacetamide / sulfur right away and let your dermatologist know.

          • If your condition becomes worse or if you develop a rash in another area of the skin, stop taking sulfacetamide / sulfur and contact your dermatologist.

            • Sulfacetamide / sulfur might have an offensive odor since it contains sulfur, so allow for air circulation.

              • Sulfacetamide / sulfur can discolor clothing, especially white fabric. Luckily, you can usually remove stains by washing them in the laundry.

                • Store sulfacetamide / sulfur at room temperature. If the product slightly darkens in color, it's still okay to use since it doesn't affect its efficacy.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Sulfacetamide / sulfur

                  Does sulfacetamide / sulfur cause purging?
                  Skin purging is the process of replacing old skin cells with new skin cells. This can cause your skin to get worse for a short period of time before it gets better. Skin purging might happen with sulfacetamide / sulfur because it replaces old skin cells with new skin cells. Contact your dermatologist if you're not sure you're experiencing worsening acne or skin purging from this medication.
                  How do you apply sulfacetamide / sulfur lotion?
                  Sulfacetamide / sulfur lotion can be applied 1-3 times a day to the affected areas of your skin. Before applying the product, clean the area(s) on the skin. Then apply a thin layer by massaging the lotion into your skin.
                  Is sulfacetamide / sulfur a sulfa drug?
                  Yes. Sulfacetamide, an ingredient in sulfacetamide / sulfur, belongs to a class of medications known as sulfa antibiotics. Don't use sulfacetamide / sulfur if you have allergies to "sulfa" medications.
                  How long does it take for sulfacetamide / sulfur products like Plexion cream to work?
                  It might take up to 12 weeks for you to see effects of sulfacetamide / sulfur. Results may be different for each person depending on the severity and the skin condition you're treating. Follow all instructions provided by your prescriber closely.
                  Is sulfacetamide / sulfur over-the-counter?
                  No, sulfacetamide / sulfur is only available with a prescription from a healthcare professional (HCP).
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Sulfacetamide / sulfur?

                  Sulfacetamide / sulfur can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Severe allergic reaction

                  • Risk factors: Sulfonamide allergy

                    Sulfacetamide / sulfur is a sulfonamides antibiotic, they have been known to cause rare, but severe, allergic reactions. This can lead to blood disorders and skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Symptoms of SJS can include reddening or peeling of the skin, painful rashes, and fluid-filled blisters. Symptoms of SLE can range from a rash to joint pain. Get medical help right away if you experience trouble breathing, rash or hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or mouth. Let your care team know of all your allergies before using sulfacetamide / sulfur.

                    dosage

                    Sulfacetamide / sulfur dosage forms

                    The average cost for 1 bottle of 6 oz of 10%/5% of Sulfacetamide / sulfur is $29.46 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 72.23% off the average retail price of $106.08.
                    bottle of cleanser
                    Bottle of cleanser
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    8 oz of 10%/2%1 bottle$43.65$43.65
                    16 oz of 8%/4%1 bottle$41.66$41.66
                    16 oz of 9%/4%1 bottle$70.71$70.71
                    16 oz of 9%/4.5%1 bottle$42.88$42.88
                    10 oz of 9.8%/4.8%1 bottle$72.73$72.73
                    6 oz of 10%/5%1 bottle$29.46$29.46
                    8 oz of 10%/5%1 bottle$47.93$47.93
                    12 oz of 10%/5%1 bottle$43.47$43.47
                    bottle of cream
                    Bottle of cream
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    57g of 9.8%/4.8%1 bottle$124.92$124.92
                    28g of 10%/5%1 bottle$27.48$27.48
                    57g of 10%/5%1 bottle$41.10$41.10
                    bottle of lotion
                    Bottle of lotion
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    57g of 9.8%/4.8%1 bottle$124.92$124.92
                    25g of 10%/5%1 bottle$60.40$60.40
                    30g of 10%/5%1 bottle$71.58$71.58
                    60g of 10%/5%1 bottle$111.63$111.63
                    bottle of suspension
                    Bottle of suspension
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    473ml of 8%/4%1 bottle$45.39$45.39
                    8oz of 9%/4.25%1 bottle$215.78$215.78
                    1 oz of 10%/5%1 bottle$68.92$68.92
                    bottle of wash
                    Bottle of wash
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    16 oz of 9%/4%1 bottle$70.71$70.71
                    16 oz of 9%/4.5%1 bottle$42.88$42.88
                    can of foam
                    Can of foam
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    60g of 10%/5%1 can$140.49$140.49
                    100g of 10%/5%1 can$227.48$227.48
                    carton
                    Carton
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    60 cleansing cloths of 9.8%/4.8%1 carton$131.69$131.69
                    (2) 6 oz tubes of 10%/5% cleanser1 carton$56.10$56.10
                    tube of cleanser
                    Tube of cleanser
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    6 oz of 10%/5%1 tube$29.30$29.30
                    tube of cream
                    Tube of cream
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    57g of 10%/2%1 tube$117.00$117.00
                    28g of 10%/5%1 tube$27.48$27.48
                    57g of 10%/5%1 tube$46.35$46.35

                    Typical dosing for Sulfacetamide / sulfur

                    • Cream: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) of the skin 1 to 3 times a day.

                    • Lotion, suspension: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) of the skin 1 to 2 times a day.

                    • Cleanser, cleansing cloth/pads: Wash the affected area(s) of the skin 1 to 2 times a day.

                    • Emollient foam: Apply to affected area(s) of the skin 1 to 2 times a day. The foam may remain on the skin or may be rinsed off after 1 to 2 minutes.

                    drug-cost

                    How much does Sulfacetamide / sulfur cost?

                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                    Sulfacetamide / sulfur (generic)
                    GoodRx lowest price

                    $27.48

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                    contraindications-icon

                    Sulfacetamide / sulfur contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Sulfacetamide / sulfur will not be safe for you to take.

                    • Kidney problems

                    • Allergy to sulfa medications

                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Sulfacetamide / sulfur?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Sulfacetamide / sulfur. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Sulfacetamide / sulfur
                    Used for:
                    $27.48 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin)
                    Used for:

                    • Acne

                    $101.66 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Tretinoin
                    Used for:

                    • Acne

                    $101.78 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    images

                    Sulfacetamide / sulfur images

                    This medicine is Colorless Bottle Of Cleanser.
                    This medicine is Colorless Bottle Of Cleanser.
                    This medicine is Colorless Bottle Of Cleanser.

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Acella Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2024). Sodium sulfacetamide 10% and sulfur 5% emollient foam- sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur aerosol, foam [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Akron Pharma Inc. (2024). Sodium sulfacetamide 10% and sulfur 2% cleanser- sulfacetamide sodium, sulfur liquid [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Akron Pharma Inc. (2024). Sodium sulfacetamide 8% and sulfur 4%- sulfacetamide sodium, sulfur suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    View All References (6)

                    Draelos, Z. D. (2010). The multifunctionality of 10% sodium sulfacetamide, 5% sulfur emollient foam in the treatment of inflammatory facial dermatoses. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

                    Eckson Labs LLC. (2022). Plexion- sulfacetamide sodium, sulfur cloth [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Eckson Labs LLC. (2022). Plexion- sulfacetamide sodium, sulfur cream [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Eckson Labs LLC. (2022). Plexion- sulfacetamide sodium, sulfur lotion [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Pradhan, S. J., et al. (2024). Retinoids — A unique ingredient for skin rejuvenation employing novel drug delivery systems. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science.

                    Russell, J. J. (2000). Topical therapy for acne. American Family Physician.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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