Mafenide topical

Mafenide is an antibiotic that works against bacteria in the body.

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

Mafenide may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all the instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are taking.

You should not use mafenide topical if you are allergic to mafenide.

To ensure that mafenide topical is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
• asthma or sulfite allergy; or
• if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether mafenide topical will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether mafenide topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

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:

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion, or weakness;
• rapid breathing;
• skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, or muscle weakness; or
• severe skin irritation where the medicine is applied.

Common side effects of mafenide topical may include:

• rash, redness, blistering, or itching of treated skin;
• pain or burning of treated skin; or
• white or "pruned" appearance of the skin (caused by leaving wound dressings on for long periods of time).

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and type of mafenide 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 medicine 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.

Because you will receive mafenide topical in a clinical setting, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

Since mafenide topical is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

It is unlikely that other drugs you take by mouth or inject will affect mafenide topical. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform all of your health care providers about all the medicines you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.