Dapsone

Dapsone has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Anti-inflammatory effects include inhibition of neutrophil myeloperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase activity, suppression of hypochlorous acid production, scavenging of reactive oxygen species, suppression of neutrophil activity, and inhibition of chemoattractant-induced signal transduction. Antimicrobial activity is by inhibition of bacterial dihydropteroate synthase in the folic acid metabolic pathway. This mechanism is effective against microorganisms synthesizing their own folic acid.

• Leprosy
• Acne vulgaris (patients 12 years and older)
• Dermatitis herpetiformis

Dapsone has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Anti-inflammatory effects include inhibition of neutrophil myeloperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase activity, suppression of hypochlorous acid production, scavenging of reactive oxygen species, suppression of neutrophil activity, and inhibition of chemoattractant-induced signal transduction. Antimicrobial activity is by inhibition of bacterial dihydropteroate synthase in the folic acid metabolic pathway.

Dapsone inhibits bacterial folic acid synthesis (by preventing normal bacterial utilization of PABA) and reduces inflammation, thereby stopping bacterial growth and improving skin conditions.

Adult - Leprosy: 100 mg once daily (in combination with other antileprosy drugs).

Adult - Dermatitis Herpetiformis: 50 mg once daily, titrate up to 300 mg daily as needed.

Child: 2 mg/kg (max 100 mg/day) or 4 mg/kg (max 200 mg) once weekly.

Topical Gel (Acne): 7.5% gel once daily or 5% gel twice daily, apply a thin layer (pea-sized amount) to clean, dry skin.

Tablets may be taken with or without food. Swallow tablet whole, do not chew, crush or break. Wash hands after applying topical gel.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.

Common (Topical): Oiliness/peeling, dryness, and erythema at the application site.

Common (Oral): Rash, fever.

Serious: Methemoglobinemia, hemolysis (in G6PD deficient patients), agranulocytosis, hepatitis.

Discontinue if signs of methemoglobinemia occur; risk of hemolysis in G6PD deficient patients; monitor blood cell counts with long-term use; caution in patients with sulfa hypersensitivity.

Hypersensitivity; severe anemia; porphyria.

Rifampicin: Decreases serum concentration of dapsone.

Probenecid, trimethoprim: Increases plasma concentration.

Clofazimine: Antagonizes effect.

Topical benzoyl peroxide: May cause temporary yellow or orange skin discoloration when used with dapsone.

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Dapsone. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Dapsone is excreted in human milk. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below 12 years of age have not been established.

Clinical trials did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

Limited information is available on the use of Dapsone in patients with kidney or liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

Overdose may lead to methemoglobinemia and hemolysis. Seek medical attention.

Store at or below 30°C temperature. Keep away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Dapsone