mafenide topical Health Article

Generic name(s):

mafenide topical

Brand name(s):

Sulfamylon

What is the most important information I should know about mafenide?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to mafenide.

Before being treated with mafenide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially sulfa drugs), or if you have kidney disease or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Before you are treated with mafenide topical, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have a serious side effect such as pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, confusion, vomiting, appetite changes, muscle weakness, bone pain, rapid breathing, gasping, or feeling short of breath, or severe skin rash with bruising, severe tingling, numbness, or pain.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are being treated with mafenide.

What is mafenide?

Mafenide is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body.

Mafenide topical (for the skin) is used to prevent infection in severe burn wounds.

Mafenide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving mafenide?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to mafenide.

Before using mafenide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially sulfa drugs), or if you have:

• kidney disease; or

• glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether mafenide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is mafenide used?

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and type of this medication to use. You will receive this medication in a hospital or burn unit setting.

Mafenide cream is usually applied to the burn wound once or twice a day. The wound should be kept covered with this medication at all times during treatment.

Mafenide powder is usually mixed together with a saline solution and applied over a gauze dressing using a syringe or irrigation tube. Mafenide is usually applied several times per day in order to keep the bandaging wet.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medication is usually applied by a healthcare professional, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while being treated with mafenide?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are being treated with mafenide.

What are the possible side effects of mafenide?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your caregivers right away if you have a serious side effect such as:

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, headache, confusion;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, appetite changes, muscle weakness, bone pain, and weight loss;

• rapid breathing, gasping, or feeling short of breath; or

• severe skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, or pain.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild skin rash, redness, or itching; or

• pain or burning of treated skin areas.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.