What is Mafenide Topical?
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 is the most important information I should know about Mafenide Topical?
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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Mafenide Topical?
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.
Mafenide Topical Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Mafenide Topical?
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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Mafenide Topical Interactions
What other drugs affect Mafenide Topical?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied mafenide. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Mafenide Topical?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are being treated with mafenide.
Mafenide Topical Dosage
How should I take Mafenide Topical?
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 overdose on Mafenide Topical?
An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur.
What happens if I miss a dose of Mafenide Topical?
Since this medication is usually applied by a healthcare professional, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com