What is Plexion: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Check our best Plexion prices

Plexion overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • AVAR Cleanser, AVAR-e, Avar Cleansing, Avar LS Cleanser, Avar Foam, Avar-e LS, AVAR-e Green, SSS 10 - 5, Sodium Sulfacetamide and Sulfur Green, Rosula, BP Cleansing Wash, Plexion, Avar LS Cleansing, Avar LS Foam, BP 10-1

Generic Names:

  • Sulfacetamide Sodium-Sulfur

Uses:

  • Treats acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis (scaly areas on your skin).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Keratolytic, Antiseborrheic, Antibacterial Cleansing Agent, Antibacterial, Antiacne Antibacterial, Antiacne

Forms:

  • Lotion, Pad, Cream, Suspension, Gel/Jelly, Soap, Foam

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Plexion used for?

Plexion is an antibiotic that combines Sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur to treat acne and other skin conditions including rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. It stunts the growth of bacteria on the skin. Plexion is available as a cream.

What form(s) does Plexion come in

  • Lotion

  • Pad

  • Cream

  • Suspension

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Soap

  • Foam

What are common Plexion doses?

  • Bottle 57GM of 9.8-4.8%

Common Plexion prescriptions

  • Plexion
    57gm of 9.8-4.8% bottle

How to take Plexion

  • Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

What to do if you miss a dose of Plexion

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

  • Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Plexion contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs such as Bactrim®. You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to sulfur or sulfites, or if you have kidney disease.

Plexion warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

  • Avoid other sources of skin irritation during use such as sunlight, tanning beds, or sunlamps unless approved by your doctor.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Plexion interactions

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Avoid other sources of skin irritation during use such as sunlight, tanning beds, or sunlamps unless approved by your doctor.

  • Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

Plexion side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Severe skin rash, burning, or blistering.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Redness.

  • Peeling of skin.

  • Mild stinging.

Plexion News & Research

How to use tretinoin

Tretinoin alternatives: What can I take instead of tretinoin?

What happens when you quit smoking?

Browse drugs A-Z:

View all
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Subscribe to our savings newsletter

Health education, drug info, wellness & more

By clicking 'Subscribe', I agree to SingleCare's Terms & Conditions.