5 mins read

Overview: Mafenide is used to lower the risk of infection and treat certain second- and third-degree burns. Common side effects include skin pain and a burning sensation. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice your heart is beating faster than normal or you feel confused. Mafenide is available as a cream and liquid that is applied to the skin.

Uses

What is mafenide used for?

Mafenide is commonly used to lower the risk of infection with certain skin grafts and treat second- and third-degree burns.

Mafenide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does mafenide work (mechanism of action)?

Mafenide seems to work by controlling the growth of bacteria (germs), preventing infection, and promoting healing.

How is mafenide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Sulfamylon

Dosage forms and strengths

  • Topical cream 
  • 5% topical solution

How should I store mafenide?

Topical Cream. Mafenide topical cream should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Do not expose the cream to temperatures over 104 F (40 C).

Topical Solution. Mafenide topical solution should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place up to the date written on the bottle. Throw away any unused medicine 48 hours (two days) after opening the bottle.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of mafenide?

The most common side effects of mafenide are skin pain or a burning feeling. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of mafenide that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of mafenide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of mafenide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Mafenide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using mafenide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blood Disorders. Mafenide may cause your red blood cells to be destroyed, which is called hemolytic anemia. This may be more likely to happen in people with a genetic (inherited) condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Tell your health care provider if you have G6PD deficiency or if you get extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, or dizziness. 

Metabolic Acidosis. Mafenide can cause a condition called metabolic acidosis. This happens when there is too much acid in the blood and may be more likely to occur in people with larger burns, kidney problems, or lung problems. If this condition is not treated, it can cause kidney stones, slowed growth in children, or harm to the fetus if you are pregnant. Your bones can also become soft or brittle (osteoporosis, osteomalacia [rickets], osteopenia). Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of metabolic acidosis.

  • Fast breathing or heartbeat
  • Headache
  • Feeling confused, weak, or tired
  • Not feeling hungry
  • Nausea or vomiting

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use mafenide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use mafenide.

  • Mafenide
  • Sulfamylon
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific mafenide products they stock.

What should I know about mafenide before using it?

Do not use mafenide unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share mafenide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep mafenide out of the reach of children.

Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly use mafenide. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Ask your health care provider about the best way and how often to clean and care for your wound. Keep all follow-up appointments, including lab appointments, with your health care provider, so they can monitor your progress.

What should I tell my health care provider before using mafenide?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if mafenide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Sulfa Allergy. Some people who have a sulfa allergy may also be allergic to mafenide. Tell your health care provider if you have allergies to any medicines.

Sulfite Allergy. Mafenide contains a sulfite that may cause severe allergic reactions. This may be more likely to happen if you have asthma. Tell your health care provider if you have a sulfite allergy.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how mafenide could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use mafenide while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if mafenide passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop mafenide.

Interactions

Does mafenide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between mafenide and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect mafenide, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection or heal.

Does mafenide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between mafenide and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much mafenide?

If you or someone else has used too much mafenide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of mafenide?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.