3-25. Mafenide Acetate (Sulfamylon®)

a. Advantages.

This medication is the best choice for treating a highly contaminated wound.

Sulfamylon® penetrates through eschar. After application, the wound is visible. This medication has broad anti-gram negative activity and does not impede the motion of joints.

b. Disadvantages.

There are several disadvantages to using mafenide acetate.

  • First, use of this medication tends to cause the casualty to hyperventilate. That is, the casualty breathes too deeply and upsets the carbon dioxide balance in his body. This results in the casualty experiencing buzzing in the ears, tingling of the lips and fingers, and sometimes fainting.
  • Secondly, mafenide acetate is very painful when applied or removed.
  • Thirdly, this medication may delay the formation of new tissue.
  • Finally, the casualty may be hypersensitive to this medication.

A Distance Learning Course