Mafenide is used together with other medicines to treat bacterial skin infections in individuals with severe burns.
This medicine may also be used together with other medicines to control bacterial skin infections when used under moist dressing in individuals who undergo skin grafting (a procedure where healthy skin from one part of the body is removed and used to cover lost or damaged skin) due to severe burn wounds.
Apply Mafenide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not apply more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as a cream and a powder for topical solution.
If you are using the cream, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands.
- Clean the affected area before application.
- Apply the cream to a thickness of about 1/16 inch gently on the affected area using a sterile-gloved hand. Cover the burned areas with cream at all times. Re-apply the cream to any area from which it has been removed (e.g. due to activity).
- Wash your hands after using.
- Replace the cap of the tube.
If you are using the powder for topical solution, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands.
- Prepare the powder for topical solution as directed by your doctor.
- Clean the affected area before application.
- Wet an 8-ply burn dressing with the topical solution until leaking is noticeable and cover the graft area.
- Keep the dressing wet or moisten the dressing as necessary.
- Wash your hands after using.
Avoid contact with your eyes, mouth, or nose. Rinse immediately with water if it gets into your eyes or mouth. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyes.
Use Mafenide at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to apply your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use Mafenide if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar type of medicines known as sulfonamides.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- G6PD deficiency (an inherited blood disorder where the body lacks a certain enzyme necessary for the proper functioning of red blood cells)
- lung problems
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Mafenide to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
For as long as you are using Mafenide, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Mafenide may cause any of the following side effects: skin redness, itching, blistering, swelling, and pain or burning sensation upon application.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rapid heartbeat and breathing, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, confusion
- dizziness, fever, chills, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale skin, dark coloured urine, weakness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from excessive heat.
The topical solution may be stored at room temperature after you have mixed the powder with the solution provided by your doctor or pharmacist in an unopened container for up to 28 days. Once the container is opened, discard any unused portion within 48 hours.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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