Dosing & Uses
Burn Treatment
Cream
- Apply to cleaned, debrided area qDay or q12hr at thickness ~1/16 inch
- Ensure burned area covered with cream at all times-reapply PRN
Topical solution
- Cover grafted area with 1 layer of gauze
- Wet 8-ply burn dressing with solution until leakage observed; apply, secure & wrap as necessary
- With irrigation tubing: keep gauze dressing wet, by irrigating with syringe or injecting solution into irrigation tubing q4hr or PRN
- Not using irrigation tubing: moisten gauze q6-8hr or PRN
- Wound dressings may be left undisturbed for up to 5 days
Burn Treatment
Cream
- <2 years: Safety & efficacy not established
- >2 years: Apply to cleaned, debrided area qDay or q12hr at thickness ~1/16 inch; ensure burned area covered with cream at all times-reapply PRN
Topical solution
- Cover grafted area with 1 layer of gauze
- Wet 8-ply burn dressing with soln until leakage observed; apply, secure & wrap as necessary
- With irrigation tubing: keep gauze dressing wet, by irrigating with syringe or injecting solution into irrigation tubing q4hr or PRN
- Not using irrigation tubing: moisten gauze q6-8hr or PRN
- Wound dressings may be left undisturbed for up to 5 d
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results

Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor

Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (1)
- allogeneic cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts
mafenide decreases effects of allogeneic cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Mafenide acetate, a topical antimicrobial, reduces keratinocyte viability and disrupt integrity of tissue-engineered human skin substitutes composed of keratinocytes.
Monitor Closely (1)
- dichlorphenamide
dichlorphenamide, mafenide. Either increases toxicity of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Both drugs can cause metabolic acidosis.
Minor (0)
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Application site reactions
Edema
Facial edema
Diarrhea
Excoriation
Pain
Blisters
Burning sensation
Hypersensitivity
Bone marrow suppression
Anemia
Eosinophilia
Porphyria
Hyperventilation
Hemolytic anemia
Allergic reactions
Systemic acidosis with tachypnea
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to mafenide or any component of the formulation
Cautions
Hypersensitivity
Use extreme caution in patients with sulfonamide allergy
E. coli & Proteus spp. appear to be less sensitive
Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection including C. difficile-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis
Pregnancy/women of childbearing potential-not recommended in women of childbearing potential unless burned area >20% BSA or benefits justify possible risks to the fetus
G-6-PD deficiency; may result in hemolytic anemia
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: Not known whether distributed into breast milk, discontinue drug or do not nurse
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Bacteriostatic, precise mechanism unclear-appears to interfere with bacterial folic acid synthesis; spectrum of activity includes both gram positive and negative organisms
Pharmacokinetics
Diffuses through devascularized areas; rapidly absorbed from burned surface
Peak plasma time: 2-4 hr (11% cream); 2 hr (burn tissue- 11% cream); 2 hr (burn tissues-5% solution)
Excretion: Urine
Metabolism: Rapidly to p-carboxybenzenesulfonamide
Images
BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
---|---|---|---|
mafenide topical - | 50 gram miscellaneous | ![]() | |
mafenide topical - | 50 gram miscellaneous | ![]() | |
mafenide topical - | 50 gram miscellaneous | ![]() | |
Sulfamylon topical - | 50 gram miscellaneous | ![]() | |
Sulfamylon topical - | 85 mg/g cream | ![]() | |
Sulfamylon topical - | 85 mg/g cream | ![]() | |
Sulfamylon topical - | 85 mg/g cream | ![]() |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
mafenide topical
MAFENIDE SOLUTION - TOPICAL
(MAF-en-ide AS-e-tate)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sulfamylon
USES: This medication is used alone or with other medications to help prevent and treat wound infections in patients with severe burns. Mafenide is a drug applied to the skin that belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfa antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria that may infect an open wound. Killing bacteria helps to promote wound healing and to decrease the risk of the bacteria spreading to surrounding skin or to the blood, thereby helping to prevent a serious blood infection (sepsis).
HOW TO USE: Follow all instructions for proper preparation and use of this drug. Consult your pharmacist.Wash hands before and after using this medication. Use with wound dressings on the skin only. Soak the dressing completely with this medication. Keep the dressing wet by applying this medication as directed by your doctor, usually every 6 to 8 hours.Length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse or if you notice increasing redness/tenderness of the skin around the wound.
SIDE EFFECTS: Pain, burning, or redness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: blisters, fast breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, change in alertness, shaking (tremors), seizures, weakness, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, arm/leg/back pain, fast heartbeat.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using mafenide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung problems (such as asthma), kidney disease, metabolism problems (such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency-G6PD), blood disorders.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later on other wounds unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.Lab and/or medical tests (such as wound cultures, acid-base balance, complete blood counts) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store unmixed packets at room temperature.Mix the powder with the correct solution, and then close the container tightly. After mixing, if the container stays closed, you may store it at room temperature for up to 28 days. Once a container is opened for use, the solution is good for only 48 hours. Discard any unused portion. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised December 2022. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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