Mafenide: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What drug Mafenide?

What is mafenide for?

This medication is used alone or with other medications to help prevent and treat wound infections in patients with severe burns. Mafenide is a skin medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfa antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria that can infect open wounds. Killing these bacteria can help to promote wound healing and reduce the risk of the bacteria spreading to the surrounding skin or to the blood, thus helping to prevent serious blood infections (sepsis).

How is mafenide used?

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. Use this remedy on the skin only. After cleaning the affected area, apply this medication to the wound wearing a pair of clean medical gloves (eg, latex, vinyl), usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. The layer of cream should be about one-sixteen inches (1 to 2 millimeters) thick.

The wound should be coated with this medicine at all times. Bandages do not need to be used to cover the wound. If some of the cream doesn't cover the wound, reapply it right away. The duration of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Do not stop using this medication until instructed to do so by your doctor. If possible, bathe at least once a day to help remove dead skin from the wound to aid healing. Make sure to reuse this medication after bathing. Use this remedy regularly to get its benefits. To help you remember, use it at the same time every day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or gets worse or if you experience redness / tenderness of the skin around the wound. Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is mafenide stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Mafenide dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the mafenide dosage for adults?

Adult Dose for Burns - External

Solution: cover the burn and graft area with mafenide solution. The gauze should be kept wet by injecting the solution into the solution tube every 4 hours or soaking the gauze every 6 to 8 hours, as needed.

Cream: Apply to debridement burns that have been cleaned once or twice a day, with a thickness of no more than 1/16 of an inch. The cream should be re-applied every time the cream is thinned out to keep the burn closed at all times. A thin layer of gauze can be used, if necessary. Treatment should be continued until healing progresses well or the skin is ready for grafting.

What is the dosage of mafenide for children

Children's Dose for Burns - External

Solution:

> 3 months: cover the burn and graft area with mafenide solution. The gauze should be kept wet by injecting the solution into the solution tube every 4 hours or soaking the gauze every 6 to 8 hours, as needed.

Cream: Apply to debridement burns that have been cleaned once or twice a day, with a thickness of no more than 1/16 of an inch. The cream should be reapplied every time the cream is thinned out to keep the burn closed at all times. A thin layer of gauze can be used, if necessary. Treatment should be continued until healing progresses well or the skin is ready for grafting.

In what dosage is mafenide available?

Powder for solution, topical: 50 g.

Mafenide side effects

What side effects can mafenide have?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: nausea, vomiting, sweating, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or feel like you might pass out.

Tell your doctor right away if you have serious side effects such as:

pale or yellow skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness
chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeat, headache, confusion
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, appetite changes, muscle weakness, bone pain, and weight loss
rapid breathing, shortness of breath, or feeling short of breath
severe skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, or pain.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild rash on the skin, redness, or itching
pain or burning of the treated skin area

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Mafenide Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using mafenide?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to mafenide.

Is mafenide safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = No risk,
B = not at risk in several studies,
C = May be risky,
D = There is positive evidence of risk,
X = Contraindicated,
N = Unknown

Studies in women show that this drug poses minimal risk to the baby when used during breastfeeding.

Mafenide Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with mafenide?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval

Can food or alcohol interact with mafenide?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with mafenide?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

blood problems - using mafenide can make the condition worse
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (lack of the G6PD enzyme) - use of mafenide in people with this condition can result in hemolytic anemia
kidney problems
lung problems
metabolic acidosis - taking mafenide in people with this condition may increase the risk of a side effect called metabolic acidosis.