Beyond the Five: Humans May Have as Many as 33 Senses
December 25, 2025
Brand Name :
Sulfamylon
Synonyms :
mafenide
Class :
Topical antibiotics
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Topical cream
85 mg/g
Topical powder for reconstitution
5%
Cream
Apply to a thoroughly cleaned and debrided area daily or 2 times a day at 1/16-inch thickness
Topical solution
Over the grafted area, apply one layer of gauze.
Apply, secure, and wrap an 8-ply burn dressing soaked in solution until leakage is detected.
Irrigate with a syringe or inject solution into irrigation tubing every 4 hours or as needed to keep gauze dressing moist.
Moisten gauze every 6-8 hours or as needed if not using irrigation tubing.
Wound dressings can be left on for up to 5 days before being changed.
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Topical cream
85 mg/g
Topical powder for reconstitution
5%
Age > 2 years:
Cream
Apply to a thoroughly cleaned and debrided area daily or 2 times a day at 1/16-inch thickness
Topical solution
Over the grafted area, apply one layer of gauze.
Apply, secure, and wrap an 8-ply burn dressing soaked in solution until leakage is detected.
Irrigate with a syringe or inject solution into irrigation tubing every 4 hours or as needed to keep gauze dressing moist.
Moisten gauze every 6-8 hours or as needed if not using irrigation tubing.
Wound dressings can be left on for up to 5 days before being changed.
Refer to adult dosing
Actions and Spectrum:
Mafenide is a topical antimicrobial medication that is used to treat burns and other wounds. It belongs to a class of medications called sulfonamides, which work by inhibiting the synthesis of folic acid, a molecule that is essential for bacterial growth and reproduction.
The action of mafenide is to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the affected area and prevent infection. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, as well as some fungi and yeasts.
The spectrum of mafenide refers to the range of microorganisms that it is effective against. Mafenide has a broad spectrum of activity and is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, as well as some fungi and yeasts.
It is important to note that mafenide should be used in combination with other antimicrobial agents and dressings to promote wound healing and prevent infection. It should not be used as the sole treatment for burns or other wounds, and it should not be used in patients who are allergic to sulfonamides or have a history of severe allergic reactions to this class of medications.
Frequency Not Defined
Excoriation
Blisters
Burning sensation
Application site reactions
Diarrhea
Bone marrow suppression
Pain
Hypersensitivity
Edema
Hyperventilation
Anemia
Hemolytic anemia
Eosinophilia
Porphyria
Black Box Warning
There are no specific “black box” warnings for mafenide. However, as with any medication, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with its use.
Mafenide should not be used in patients who are allergic to sulfonamides or have a history of severe allergic reactions to this class of medications. It should also be used with caution in patients who have kidney or liver disease, as these conditions may affect the metabolism and elimination of the medication.
It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for using mafenide and to report any adverse reactions or side effects to your healthcare provider immediately. If you experience severe allergic reactions or other serious side effects while taking mafenide, seek emergency medical attention.
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Precautions and warnings that should be considered when using mafenide. These include:
Pregnancy warnings:
Pregnancy: C
Lactation:
Excreted into human milk is unknown
Pregnancy Categories:
Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: mafenide
Pronounced: MAF-en-ide
Why do we use mafenide?
mafenide is a Topical antibiotic. In patients with severe burns, it is used alone or in combination with other medications to help prevent and treat wound infections.