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 mafenide topical
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 this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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 right away 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 right away 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 (especially of the face/tongue/throat), 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.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using mafenide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung problems (such as asthma), kidney disease, metabolism problems (such as 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 unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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 medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
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 (such as 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.
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. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
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.
Images
mafenide 50 gram topical packet
Color: whiteShape: Imprint:This medicine is a white, miscellaneous
mafenide 50 gram topical packet
Color: yellowShape: Imprint:This medicine is a white, miscellaneous
mafenide 50 gram topical packet
Color: whiteShape: Imprint:This medicine is a white, miscellaneous
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.