Dapsone (topical)
Synonyms
Approved Treatment Indication:
Relapsing Polychondritis, Lepromatous Leprosy, AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections, Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Summary
What conditions dapsone is used for
Dapsone is used to treat leprosy, which is a chronic infectious disease, and dermatitis herpetiformis, which is a skin condition causing itchy blisters. It is also used with other medications to treat certain types of pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems.
How dapsone works in the body
Dapsone works by inhibiting the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid, which is necessary for bacteria to grow and multiply. This action helps reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, making it effective for treating leprosy and dermatitis herpetiformis.
Directions for Use
The usual starting dose of dapsone for adults is 50 to 100 mg once daily, taken orally, which means by mouth. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your response and specific health needs, with a maximum recommended dose of 300 mg per day.
The most commonly observed adverse effects of dapsone
Common side effects of dapsone include nausea, which is a feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit, headache, and rash. These effects vary from person to person and may be temporary or unrelated to the medication.
Warnings and Precautions
Dapsone can cause serious blood disorders, such as methemoglobinemia, which is a condition where your blood can't carry enough oxygen. It can also cause severe skin reactions. Avoid dapsone if allergic to it or if you have severe liver disease or severe anemia.
Drug Status
Government Approvals
WHO Essential Medicine
Known Teratogen
Pharmaceutical Class
