Mafenide Acetate 5%
Brand names: Sulfamylon
Mafenide acetate is a topical sulfonamide antimicrobial applied to burn wounds to control bacterial colonisation, valued for its ability to penetrate eschar and avascular tissue.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It is a topical antibacterial agent that diffuses through devascularised burn eschar to inhibit susceptible bacteria, broadening antimicrobial cover in deep or established burn wounds.
Prescribing in practice
- Mafenide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and can cause metabolic acidosis with compensatory hyperventilation, so monitor acid-base status during extensive use.
- Application can be painful and hypersensitivity reactions occur, including in patients sensitive to sulfonamides.
- Reserve for selected burn wounds under specialist burns care and follow current prescribing references, noting it is not routinely stocked in the UK.
Monitoring
Monitor acid-base balance, respiratory rate and local tolerance, particularly when treating large burn surface areas.
Counselling the patient
- Warn that application to the burn may sting or be painful.
- Advise the team to watch for rapid breathing or signs of acidosis with extensive use.
- Report any rash or worsening wound appearance to the burns team.
Evidence & guidelines
Mafenide is a long-established topical burns antimicrobial; use and its acid-base effects are described in current prescribing references and burns care literature.
Reference: British Burns Association Guidelines; ABA Burns Treatment Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.