Nitrofurazone, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibacterial

Generic and brand names: nitrofurazone, topical

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is an ointment used on the skin to treat burns that have become infected. It is also used to treat skin infections caused by skin grafts.

What should my healthcare provider know before I use this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• kidney disease

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

You may either put this medicine on the skin or put it on a gauze pad. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully. Use this medicine exactly as directed. Do not use more, or use it more often than prescribed. Keep using this medicine until the burn area has healed or is ready for skin grafting. Do not stop using this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

Do not use any other skin products on your burn wound without your healthcare provider's approval.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine is for external use only. Keep it out of your eyes.

You may need to have blood tests to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.

Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

Do not use this medicine if you have any other infection. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Skin pain, blisters or oozing, swelling, rash, itching, bleeding, peeling.

Other: Minor irritation and burning where medicine is applied.

What products might interact with this medicine?

Do not use the following products on wounds while you are using this medicine:

• benzalkonium chloride
• Burow's solution
• hexachlorophene (PHisoHex)
• metals such as mercury and silver (used in some antiseptics)
• mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon)
• tincture of iodine

If you get any of these products on your wound, wash it several times with saline solution or ask your healthcare provider what to do.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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