Indications
Dapsone (active ingredient: dapsone) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Leprosy: Dapsone is used as part of multi-drug therapy for the treatment of all forms of leprosy, including multibacillary and paucibacillary leprosy.
- Dermatitis Herpetiformis: It is also indicated for the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis, a chronic skin condition characterized by intensely itchy, blistering lesions.
- Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia (PCP): Dapsone is used for the prevention and treatment of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia or PCP) in patients who are intolerant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, the preferred treatment.
Dapsone belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfones, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Uses and Dosage
Dapsone comes in the form of a tablet that is taken by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. It is not recommended to split, cut, crush, or chew this type of medication. Instead, swallow the tablet whole and drink a glass of water afterward. The drug can be taken with or without food.
When taking Dapsone, it is important to make sure to adhere to the prescribed dosage and create a dosing schedule to avoid skipping doses. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment, and in children, it is also based on age and weight.
For adults, the dosage of Dapsone should be increased gradually, starting at 50 mg daily. For children, the dosage should be correspondingly lower. If the symptoms of the condition are not fully controlled with doses ranging between 50 to 300 mg daily, higher doses may be tried. Once the desired effect has been achieved, the dosage should be reduced to the minimum effective level possible.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Dapsone:
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Increased skin sensitivity to the sun
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping or insomnia
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Dapsone:
- Bluish lips and skin
- Bone marrow suppression
- Chest pain
- Dark urine
- Difficulty urinating
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Infection (persistent sore throat, fever, chills)
- Mental or mood changes
- Muscle weakness
- Palpitations
- Severe abdominal pain
- Unusual tiredness
- Unusually fast breathing
Form and Strength
Dapsone is available in the following forms and strength:
Dapsone: Tablet
- 25 mg
- 100 mg
Dapsone (Generic): Tablet
- 25 mg
- 100 mg
Caution
- Before taking any medicine, the risks associated with it must be carefully weighed against the potential benefits that it could bring. This is a decision you and your doctor will make together. When considering this medicine, the following should be considered:
- If you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines, tell your doctor or health care professional.
- If you are taking this medication to treat Hansen's disease, be aware that as your immune system helps to fight the infection, you may experience an increase in skin sores, numbness, pain, tingling, or muscle weakness. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away as it may require special treatment.
- Dapsone can cause dizziness, be aware of this side effect if you are taking the medication. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can further increase the risk of drowsiness and dizziness, so it is best to avoid these substances when taking Dapsone.
- During pregnancy, Dapsone should be used only when the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking Dapsone with your doctor before deciding to take the medication. It should not be taken if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it could harm the unborn baby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
When is the best time to take Dapsone?
You may take it any time of the day but at the same time each day.
Is Dapsone over the counter?
You need a valid prescription from your doctor to purchase this oral medication.
What are the contraindications of dapsone?
Relative contraindications to the use of dapsone include allergy to sulfonamide antimicrobials, significant cardiopulmonary disease, significant liver or renal function impairment, or pre-existing peripheral neuropathy.
Resources
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dapsone-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20063327?p=1
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6744/dapsone-oral/details
- https://www.rxlist.com/dapsone-drug.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470552/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20938-dapsone-tablets
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