Mafenide Acetate
What is MAFENIDE ACETATE?
(MAFENIDE ACETATE) 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 should I use MAFENIDE ACETATE?
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 as directed by your doctor, usually every 6 to 8 hours. 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 lasts or gets worse or if you notice increasing redness/tenderness of the skin around the wound.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take MAFENIDE ACETATE?
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 breastfeeding.
What may interact with MAFENIDE ACETATE?
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
What if I miss a dose of MAFENIDE ACETATE?
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.
What side effects may I notice from receiving MAFENIDE ACETATE?
Pain, burning, or redness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, 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 you have any serious side effects, including: blisters, fast breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, change in alertness, shaking (tremors), seizures, weakness, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, arm/leg/back pain, fast heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away 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.
Where should I keep MAFENIDE ACETATE?
Store unmixed packets at room temperature. Mix the powder with the correct solution, and then close the container tightly. After mixing, if the container stays closed, you may store it at room temperature for up to 28 days. Once a container is opened for use, the solution is good for only 48 hours. Discard any unused portion. Keep all medications 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.