Mafenide

This form:

Pronounced

"MAY-feh-nide"

Common brand names:

Sulfamylon

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 This Medication

Wash hands before and after using this medication. Use this medication on the skin only. After cleaning the affected area, wear a clean pair of medical gloves (such as latex, vinyl) and apply this medication to the wound as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. The layer of cream should be about one-sixteenth of an inch (1 to 2 millimeters) thick. The wound should be covered with this medication at all times. Bandages do not need to be used to cover the wound. If some of the cream rubs off the wound, re-apply it right away. Length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Do not stop using this medication until told to do so by your doctor.

If possible, bathe at least once a day to help remove the dead skin from the wound to allow healing to occur. Be sure to re-apply this medication after bathing.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse or if you notice increasing redness/tenderness of the skin around the wound.

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