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mafenide

Generic Sulfamylon
Used for Wound Care
Used for Wound Care

Sulfamylon (mafenide) is an antibiotic cream that's used on the skin to prevent bacterial infections after serious burns. The typical dosage for Sulfamylon (mafenide) cream is to apply it once or twice a day. Common side effects of Sulfamylon (mafenide) include pain and a burning sensation during application. Mafenide used to be available as a powder for topical solutions, but both brand and generic versions of the solution are no longer approved by the FDA.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Aileen Chu, PharmD, BCPS
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 20, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Sulfamylon (mafenide)?

What is Sulfamylon (mafenide) used for?

How Sulfamylon (mafenide) works

Sulfamylon (mafenide) is a bacteriostatic antibiotic, meaning it slows bacteria activity and growth instead of killing them (bactericidal). This helps your immune system clear the bacteria from your body.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsSulfamylon
Drug ClassSulfonamide antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Sulfamylon (mafenide)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Pain
  • Burning sensation

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Low red blood cell count: feeling tired, paleness
  • Abnormal clotting or bleeding: blood in the urine or stool, chest pain, trouble breathing, pain or swelling in the leg, bruising
  • Severe allergic reaction: hives, swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing
  • High acid levels in the blood: fast breathing, dizziness, nausea, feeling tired

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Sulfamylon (mafenide)

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Pros

Prevents bacterial infection in burns

Typically applied only once or twice daily

Can be used on children and adults

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Cons

Must be used with other medications and therapies for treating burns

Must re-apply if any of it rubs or washes off

Doesn't prevent fungal growth or infections

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Sulfamylon (mafenide)

pharmacist

  • Wash your hands well before applying this medication or caring for your burn wounds. You want them to be as clean as possible so you don't introduce bacteria that can cause infection.

    • Apply Sulfamylon (mafenide) while wearing sterile medical gloves. Apply the cream at about 1/16 inch thickness. If it rubs or washes off, re-apply the cream to keep the burn wound covered at all times.

      • Dressings usually aren't required on top of Sulfamylon (mafenide) cream, but if you do use one, make sure the dressing is only a thin layer.

        • It's important to bathe or gently shower every day. This helps wash off dead skin cells and helps with healing.

          • Use Sulfamylon (mafenide) only on burned skin surfaces. This medication shouldn't be taken by mouth.

            • It isn't known if Sulfamylon (mafenide) gets into breast milk and causes harm to breastfed babies. Tell your provider if you're breastfeeding before using this medication.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Sulfamylon (mafenide)

              Does Sulfamylon (mafenide) promote healing of burn wounds?
              Sulfamylon (mafenide) prevents bacteria from growing in burn wounds, which might help your wound heal better. In addition to preventing infection in your burn wound, your provider might also recommend other treatments that help with wound healing. These can include special dressings (wound coverings), washing the burn wound, and surgical procedures.
              Is it possible to use too much Sulfamylon (mafenide)?
              The manufacturer recommends that you apply about 1/16-inch thick layer of Sulfamylon (mafenide) cream to your burns. Use this cream no more than once or twice a day. But if the cream washes off when you're in the shower, you can reapply. Only use Sulfamylon (mafenide) as directed. Using too much or too often can lead to a higher risk of side effects, such as skin irritation.
              Can I use Sulfamylon (mafenide) if I have a sulfa allergy?
              Maybe. Sulfamylon (mafenide) is considered a sulfa medication, so if you've had a severe allergic reaction to a sulfa medication in the past it might not be the best choice for you. Make sure to discuss all of your allergies with your provider so they can determine if this medication is safe for you.
              Is Sulfamylon (mafenide) safe to use if I'm pregnant?
              There isn't enough information to know if Sulfamylon (mafenide) is safe to use on pregnant females. If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of using this medication with your provider.
              Is Sulfamylon (mafenide) the same as silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene)?
              Sulfamylon (mafenide) and silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) are different medications. They're both antibacterial creams used to prevent infections after second- and third-degree burn wounds, though they work differently. Sulfamylon (mafenide) stops the growth of bacteria, while silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) kills bacteria by damaging their protective covering.
              Is Sulfamylon (mafenide) available as a topical solution?
              No. Currently, Sulfamylon (mafenide) is only available as a cream. It used to be available as a powder that can be made into topical solution. But in 2022 the FDA removed the approval for the topical solution. This was because the manufacturer wasn't able to prove that it had any benefit for controlling bacterial infections when used under certain dressings over autografts on burn wounds.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Sulfamylon (mafenide)?

              Sulfamylon (mafenide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Low red blood cell counts and abnormal clotting

              • Risk factors: G6PD deficiency

                If you have a condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, be sure to talk to your provider before using Sulfamylon (mafenide). Though extremely rare, there have been reports of Sulfamylon (mafenide) causing life-threatening changes in red blood cell counts (anemia), abnormal clotting, and bleeding, in people with this condition.

                risk-warning

                Severe allergic reaction

                • Risk factors: Sulfite allergy | Sulfa allergy | Asthma

                  Sulfamylon (mafenide) contains a sulfite ingredient. Sulfites are commonly used as preservatives in medications, foods, and drinks, but some people are allergic to them. Additionally, Sulfamylon (mafenide) contains sulfa. Get medical help right away if you think you're having an allergic reaction (e.g., hives, swelling, difficulty breathing). Let your provider and pharmacist know of all your allergies before using Sulfamylon (mafenide). If you have asthma, it's best to have your rescue inhaler handy when first starting on this medication since sulfite allergies are more common in people with asthma.

                  risk-warning

                  Higher acid levels in the blood

                  • Risk factors: Kidney problems | Lung or breathing problems | Burns affecting large parts of the body

                    Sulfamylon (mafenide) can cause high acid levels in the blood (acidosis) as a side effect, especially if you have kidney problems or need to use a lot of the medication on large burns. Your provider might have you do blood work so they can make sure this doesn't become a serious problem. Let your provider know right away if your breathing gets faster, since this can be a sign of too much acid in your blood.

                    risk-warning

                    Fungal growth

                    Since Sulfamylon (mafenide) prevents growth of bacteria, fungi have a better chance of growing in areas where you've applied this medication. This rarely is a serious problem, but let your provider know if your wound symptoms (e.g., pain, redness, swelling) get worse.

                    dosage

                    Sulfamylon (mafenide) dosage forms

                    jar of cream
                    Jar of cream
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    454g of 85mg/g1 jar$503.53$503.53
                    tube of cream
                    Tube of cream
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    57g of 85mg/g1 tube$80.91$80.91
                    114g of 85mg/g1 tube$123.89$123.89

                    Typical dosing for Sulfamylon (mafenide)

                    Keep the burn area covered with Sulfamylon (mafenide) at all times. Use this cream once or twice daily (also reapply anytime it's removed). Apply enough cream to make it 1/16 inch thick.

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                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Sulfamylon (mafenide)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Sulfamylon (mafenide). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Sulfamylon (mafenide)
                    Used for:
                    $80.91 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Bacitracin
                    Used for:

                    • Preventing bacterial infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns

                    $4.14 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Mupirocin
                    Used for:

                    • Impetigo - ointment

                    • Bacterial skin infection that happens after skin gets damaged (e.g., from a cut or other wound) - cream

                    $9.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                    Sulfamylon (mafenide) images

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                    This medicine is White Carton.white - Mafenide Acetate 5% Powder for Topical Solution
                    white - Mafenide Acetate 5% Powder for Topical Solution
                    This medicine is White Carton.white - Mafenide Acetate 5% Powder for Topical Solution
                    white - Mafenide Acetate 5% Powder for Topical Solution
                    This medicine is White Carton.white - Mafenide Acetate 5% Powder for Topical Solution

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (n.d.). Sulfite and sulfa drugs. 

                    Browning, J. A., et al. (2023). Burn debridement, grafting, and reconstruction. StatPearls. 

                    Elseth, A., et al. (2022). Wound grafts. StatPearls. 

                    View All References (8)

                    Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Mylan Institutional, Inc.; withdrawal of approval of a new drug application for SULFAMYLON® (mafenide acetate, USP) powder for 5% topical solution. Federal Register.

                    Liu, A. (2022). Viatris pulls decades-old accelerated approval thanks to 'unfeasible' confirmatory trial demand. Fierce Pharma. 

                    Loree, J., et al. (2022). Bacteriostatic antibiotics. StatPearls.

                    MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. 

                    Rising Pharma Holdings, Inc. (2021). SULFAMYLON- mafenide acetate cream. DailyMed. 

                    Valley, H., et al. (2012). Adverse reaction to the sulphite additives. Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench. 

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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