IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
MAFENIDE ACETATE SOLUTION - TOPICAL
(MAY-feh-nide)
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 every 6 to 8 hours or as directed by your doctor.
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 persists or worsens 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 persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blisters, fast breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, change in alertness, shaking (tremors), seizures.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: weakness, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, arm/leg/back pain, fast heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, 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.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using mafenide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other sulfa drugs (e.g., sulfamethoxazole); or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung problems (e.g., asthma), kidney disease, metabolism problems (e.g., 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 not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible harm to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline 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.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., wound cultures, acid-base balance, complete blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. 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 and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store unmixed packets at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
Mix the powder with the correct solution, and then close the container tightly. After mixing, if the container stays closed, you may store it for up to 28 days between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Once a container is opened for use, the solution is good for only 48 hours. Discard any unused portion. Keep all medicines 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.