Sulfamylon

Sulfamylon is used in the treatment and prevention of certain bacterial and fungal infection in a patient with severe burns.

Sulfamylon is a cream which works by preventing the growth of bacteria and fungus. It is available in a form of cream and powder for solution and suspension, only with your doctor’s prescription.

If you are about to start Sulfamylon, speak with your doctor about what you need to know.

Before starting, your doctor should be informed about following condition such as:

Allergy: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to food, preservatives, dyes and animal or had any previous allergic reaction which occurred while using this drug before.

Children: There are no adequate studies done which prove Mafenide harmful effects in children. It should not be used in premature and newborn infants up to 2 months of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Elderly: This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problems than it does in younger adults.

Pregnancy: It is a category C drug. Studies show harmful effects on an unborn baby. It should not be used in pregnancy. Discuss Mafenide’s benefits and potential risk factors with your doctor while using it in pregnancy.

Breast Feeding: There are no adequate studies which prove that Mafenide passes into breast milk. It should not be used while breastfeeding. If you are using Mafenide while nursing, discuss it with your doctor for possible risk factors.

Drug interaction: Mafenide interacts with many drugs. It should not be used with several drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicine which you are taking as he/she may change the dosage or drug. Methenamine is one of the drugs which should not be used with Mafenide.

Other Medical Conditions Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.

Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:

• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• Blood problems
• Kidney problems
• Lung problems
• Metabolic acidosis: Mafenide increases the risk of metabolic acidosis.

Proper usage of Sulfamylon requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Ask your pharmacist if you have any queries. The following method should be followed while applying Mafenide cream.

Mafenide cream should be applied with a sterile gloved hand. Apply the cream to the affected area at a thickness of 1/16 inch.

Apply only a thin layer of dressing if your doctor instructed it. However, dressings are usually not required.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication. Clean and dry the area to which you will apply it topically.

Avoid Mafenide contact with eyes, nose, lips and broken skin to prevent excessive irritation. Wash the area thoroughly if contact made accidently.

You should complete the course of the drug. Even if you are feeling well, don’t stop the treatment unless it is completed, as your symptoms may reappear.

Dosage: It is different for different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. It is best to take each dose at equally spaced times a day and night. You must follow your doctor’s command.

Cream form:

• Children above 2 months of age or older and adults Use it one or two times a day.

Solution form:

• Children above 3 months of age or older and adults. Use every 4 to 8 hours each day to keep dressing wet.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost a time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Do not double the dose.

Storage: Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from children.

If you take Sulfamylon, your doctor should perform routine checkups and advise you in taking precautions.

It is harmful if taken by mouth. Go to an emergency unit right away if you or someone has taken it by mouth.

If your skin infection is not improved after a few days or weeks of its use or become worse, check with your doctor.

It may cause an allergic reaction in some individual as it contains sulfites. Discuss with your doctor if you previously had an allergic reaction due to sulfites.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Sulfamylon to avoid unwanted potential side effects. Some people may experience none or minor side effects.

Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent:

Most common are:

• Blistering
• Burning sensation
• Itching
• Redness
• Pain at the application site.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.