Class: Local Anti-infectives, Miscellaneous
ATC Class: D06BA03
VA Class: DE101
CAS Number: 13009-99-9
Brands: Sulfamylon
Introduction
Synthetic anti-infective agent.a
Uses for Mafenide Acetate
Treatment and Prevention of Burn Infections
Mafenide acetate cream is used topically as adjunctive therapy in second- and third-degree burns to prevent septicemia caused by susceptible organisms, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa.a b
Control of bacterial growth may prevent conversion of second-degree (partial-thickness) wounds to third-degree (full-thickness) wounds; however, delayed eschar separation reported.a b
Although controlled, comparative studies are lacking, mafenide and silver sulfadiazine are considered by many clinicians to be among the topical anti-infective agents of choice in burn patients.d e g h i
Mafenide appears to penetrate burn eschar better than silver sulfadiazine and may be more effective in minimizing the growth of bacteria and early treatment of wound sepsis.d i Unlike mafenide, silver sulfadiazine does not alter acid-base balance and does not have a limited duration of therapy and area of topical application; softening action of silver sulfadiazine cream may aid in eschar removal and preparation of wound for grafting.d f
Alternative therapies include wet dressings of 0.5% silver nitrate; appears to be of equal efficacy as mafenide cream; mafenide cream may cause more pain on application.a
Mafenide acetate solution is used topically as adjunctive therapy to control bacterial infections under moist dressings over meshed autografts on excised burn wounds.c
Mafenide Acetate Dosage and Administration
Administration
Topical Administration
Administer topically as a cream or solution; not for injection.a b c
Cream
Apply cream only after instituting appropriate measures to control shock and pain.a b
Apply to cleansed, debrided burn wounds using a sterile, gloved hand.a b
Bathe patient daily, preferably in a whirlpool bath, to aid in debridement.a b
Dressings generally not required; if necessary, use only a thin layer.a b Some clinicians apply dressings when the eschar begins to separate (16–20 days) to expedite the separation of the eschar.a
Solution
Apply topically as a 5% reconstituted solution.c
Consult manufacturer's information for complete directions for use.c
Reconstitution
Reconstitute 50-g packet of sterile mafenide acetate powder with 1 L of sterile water for irrigation or 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation by adding powder to solution in suitable container and mixing until completely dissolved.c (See Storage under Stability.)
Dosage
Available as mafenide acetate; dosage expressed in terms of mafenide.a b c
Each gram of mafenide acetate cream provides the equivalent of 85 mg of mafenide.a
Pediatric Patients
Treatment and Prevention of Burn Infections
Topical (Cream)
Children: Apply sufficient amount to cover affected area to a thickness of 1/16th inch, once or twice daily.a b Thicker application is not recommended.a b
Burned areas should be covered with cream at all times.a b Reapply whenever necessary if cream removed from any area.a b
Continue therapy until healing is progressing well or until site is ready for grafting.a b Generally, do not discontinue mafenide topical therapy while there is the possibility of infection.a b (See Dosage Modification for Toxicity under Dosage and Administration.)
Topical (Solution)
Infants and children ≥3 months to 16 years of age: Inject solution into the irrigation tubing every 4 hours or irrigate dressing with a syringe every 6–8 hours; may repeat as necessary to keep dressing wet.c
May leave wound dressings undisturbed for up to 5 days, except for irrigations.c May initiate additional soaks until engraftment is complete.c Maceration of skin may result from wet dressings applied for intervals as short as 24 hours.c Continue treatment until autograft vascularization occurs and healing is progressing, usually about 5 days.c
Adults
Treatment and Prevention of Burn Infections
Topical (Cream)
Apply sufficient amount to cover affected area to a thickness of 1/16th inch, once or twice daily.a b Thicker application is not recommended.a b
Burned areas should be covered with cream at all times.a b Reapply whenever necessary if cream removed from any area.a b
Continue therapy until healing is progressing well or until site is ready for grafting.a b Generally, do not discontinue mafenide topical therapy while there is the possibility of infection.a b (See Dosage Modification for Toxicity under Dosage and Administration.)
Topical (Solution)
Inject solution into the irrigation tubing every 4 hours or irrigate dressing with a syringe every 6–8 hours; may repeat as necessary to keep dressing wet.c
May leave wound dressings undisturbed for up to 5 days, except for irrigations.c May initiate additional soaks until engraftment is complete.c Maceration of skin may result from wet dressings applied for intervals as short as 24 hours.c Continue treatment until autograft vascularization occurs and healing is progressing, usually about 5 days.c
Dosage Modification for Toxicity
Topical (Cream, Solution
Allergic manifestations: Consider mafenide discontinuance if hypersensitivity reactions occur.a b c (See Sensitivity Reactions under Cautions.)
Systemic acidosis: If systemic acidosis occurs and is difficult to control, especially in pulmonary dysfunction, discontinuing mafenide therapy for 24–48 hours may aid in restoring acid-base balance.a b c (See Systemic Acidosis under Cautions.)
During the interruption in mafenide therapy, adjust dressing changes and monitoring of site for bacterial growth accordingly.c
Prescribing Limits
Pediatric Patients
Topical (Solution)
Safety and efficacy not established for use >5 days for an individual grafting procedure.c
Adults
Topical (Solution)
Safety and efficacy not established for use >5 days for an individual grafting procedure.c
Special Populations
No special population dosage recommendations at this time.a b c (See Pulmonary Dysfunction and also Renal Impairment under Cautions.)
Cautions for Mafenide Acetate
Contraindications
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Hemolytic Anemia
Fatal hemolytic anemia with disseminated intravascular coagulation reported, presumably related to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.a b c
Sensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., rash, pruritus, facial edema, swelling, urticaria, blisters, erythema, eosinophilia) reported 10–14 days after initiation of therapy.a
If hypersensitivity reaction occurs, consider discontinuing mafenide therapy temporarily or initiating concomitant antihistamine therapy.a
Potential for cross-sensitivity with other sulfonamides is unknown.b c
Sulfite Sensitivity
Cream contains a sulfite, which may cause allergic-type reactions (including anaphylaxis and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes) in certain susceptible individuals.b j k l m n o p q
Major Toxicities
Systemic Acidosis
May cause systemic acidosis (tachypnea or hyperventilation, increased serum chloride concentration, and decreased arterial pCO2).a b c Closely monitor acid-base balance in patients with extensive second-degree (partial-thickness) burns, pulmonary dysfunction, or renal impairment.b c (See Dosage Modification for Toxicity under Dosage and Administration and see Pulmonary Dysfunction and also Renal Impairment under Cautions.)
Syndrome of marked hyperventilation with resulting respiratory alkalosis (slightly alkaline blood pH, low arterial pCO2, decreased total CO2) has been reported; change in arterial pO2 is variable.a b c Etiology and significance unknown.a b c
General Precautions
Superinfection
Possible emergence and overgrowth of nonsusceptible bacteria or fungi, both in and below burn eschar.a
Fungal colonization in wound and in and below burn eschar may occur concomitantly with reduction of bacterial growth; however, systemic fungal infection via dissemination through the burn wound is rare.a b c
Pulmonary Dysfunction
Closely monitor acid-base balance in pulmonary dysfunction.a b c (See Systemic Acidosis under Cautions.)
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category C.b c
Not recommended for women of childbearing potential unless the burned area covers >20% of total body surface area or the therapeutic benefits justify the possible risks to the fetus.a b c
Lactation
Not known whether mafenide is distributed into milk.a b c Discontinue nursing or the drug.a b c
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of topical solution not established in infants <3 months of age.c
Renal Impairment
Increased risk for metabolic acidosis in renal impairment due to substantial carbonic anhydrase inhibition.a b c Closely monitor acid-base balance.a b c (See Systemic Acidosis under Cautions.)
Use with caution in acute renal failure.a b c
Common Adverse Effects
Pain on application, burning sensation. a b c
Mafenide Acetate Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Topically applied cream and solution diffuse through devascularized areas, including burn eschar.a b c Peak concentrations in burned skin tissue occur at 2 and 4 hours, respectively.c Peak tissue concentrations are similar for cream and solution.c
Peak plasma concentrations of topical cream and its metabolite occur at 2 and 3 hours, respectively.c
Distribution
Extent
Not known whether distributed into human milk.a b c
Elimination
Metabolism
Rapidly metabolized in the liver to p-carboxybenzenesulfonamide, a weak carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.a b c
Elimination Route
Rapidly excreted in urine as metabolite.a b c
Stability
Storage
Topical
Cream
Avoid exposure to excessive heat (>40°C).b
Solution
Packets: 15–30°C in a dry place.c
Reconstituted solution: 20–25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C); up to 28 days in unopened containers.c Once opened, discard within 48 hours.c
Actions and SpectrumActions
Exact mechanism of action unknown, but appears to interfere with bacterial cellular metabolism.a
Related chemically, but not pharmacologically, to the sulfonamides.a c
Not antagonized by p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), pus, serum, or tissue exudates; activity not altered by environmental acidity changes.a b c
Bacteriostatic against many gram-negative and gram-positive organisms and several strains of anaerobes.a b c
Active in vitro against Clostridium species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, coagulase-positive and-negative staphylococci, and hemolytic streptococci.a b c
Less active against Escherichia coli and Proteus species.a
Resistance not reported.a
Advice to Patients
Importance of understanding that mafenide preparations are for external topical use only.a b c
Importance of informing clinician if any signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction occur (e.g., rash, itching, facial or other swelling, blisters, redness).b c
Importance of informing clinicians of existing concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as any concomitant illnesses (e.g., kidney or lung disease).b c
Importance of women informing their clinician if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.b c
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Mafenide Acetate
Routes
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Dosage Forms
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Strengths
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Brand Names
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Manufacturer
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|---|
Topical
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Cream
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8.5% (of mafenide)
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Sulfamylon
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UDL
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Topical
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Solution
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5% w/v (of mafenide)
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Sulfamylon
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UDL
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Disclaimer
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions April 2009. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
References
a. AHFS drug information 2008. McEvoy GK, ed. Mafenide acetate. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2008:3568-9.
b. UDL Laboratories, Inc. Sulfamylon (mafenide acetate, USP) cream prescribing information. Rockford, IL; 2006 Apr.
c. UDL Laboratories, Inc. Sulfamylon (mafenide acetate, USP) for 5% topical solution prescribing information. Rockford, IL; 2008 Apr.
d. AHFS drug information 2008. McEvoy GK, ed. Silver sulfadiazine. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2008:3570-71.
e. Palmieri TL, Greenlaugh DG. Topical treatment of pediatric patients with burns: a practical guide. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2002; 3:529-34. [PubMed 12358554]
f. Liebman PR, Kennelly MM, Hirsch EF. Hypercarbia and acidosis associated with carbonic anhydrase inhibition: a hazard of topical mafenide acetate use in renal failure. Burns Incl Therm Inj. 1982; 8:95-8.
g. Castellano JJ, Shafii SM, Ko F et al. Comparative evaluation of silver-containing antimicrobial dressings and drugs. Int Wound J. 2007; 4:114-22. [PubMed 17651227]
h. Atiyeh BS, Costagliola M, Hayek SN et al. Effect of silver on burn wound infection control and healing: review of the literature. Burns. 2007; 33:139-48. [PubMed 17137719]
i. Monafo WW, West MA. Current treatment recommendations for topical burn therapy. Drugs. 1990; 40:364-73. [PubMed 2226220]
j. Food and Drug Administration. Sulfites in foods and drugs. FDA Drug Bull. 1983; 13:12. [PubMed 6604672]
k. Sogn D. The ubiquitous sulfites. JAMA. 1984; 251:2986 7. Editorial. [IDIS 185969] [PubMed 6716628]
l. Koepke JW, Christopher KL, Chai H et al. Dose dependent bronchospasm from sulfites in isoetharine. JAMA. 1984; 251:2982 3. [IDIS 185966] [PubMed 6716626]
m. Twarog FJ, Leung DYM. Anaphylaxis to a component of isoetharine (sodium bisulfite). JAMA. 1982; 248:2030 1. [IDIS 158261] [PubMed 7120631]
n. Baker GJ, Collett P, Allen DH. Bronchospasm induced by metabisulphite containing foods and drugs. Med J Aust. 1981; 2:614 7. [IDIS 146240] [PubMed 7334982]
o. Koepke JW, Selner JC, Dunhill AL. Presence of sulfur dioxide in commonly used bronchodilator solutions. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1983; 72:504 8. [IDIS 178793] [PubMed 6630799]
p. Food and Drug Administration. Sulfiting agents; labeling in drugs for human use: warning statement. [Docket No. 84N 0113] Fed Regist. 1985; 50:47558 63.
q. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. The reexamination of the GRAS status of sulfiting agents, January 1985. (Doc. No. 223-83-2020.) Bethesda, MD: FASEB Life Sciences Research Office.
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