An antibacterial drug, C12H12N2O2S, used primarily to treat leprosy and some forms of dermatitis.
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trade name: Avlosulfon; drug class: leprostatic, antibacterial; action: bactericidal and bacteriostatic against M. leprae; may also be immunosuppressant; uses: leprosy and dermatitis herpetiformis.
Brand names: Aczone
Chemical formula:

Dapsone tablets
What are dapsone tablets?
DAPSONE (DDS) is an antiinfective medicine. Dapsone treats leprosy (Hansen's disease) and helps to control a skin problem called dermatitis herpetiformis. Certain other conditions may also respond to treatment with dapsone. Generic dapsone tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
anemia
glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
liver disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to dapsone, sulfonamides, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take dapsone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets with a drink of water. If dapsone upsets your stomach take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
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.What drug(s) may interact with dapsone?
bosentan
didanosine, ddI
fluorouracil, 5-FU
imatinib, STI-571
methotrexate
prilocaine
probenecid
pyrimethamine
rifampin
trimethoprim
trimetrexate
zidovudine, ZDV
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking dapsone?
You must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are being treated for dermatitis herpetiformis tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in a few days. If you are being treated for leprosy your symptoms should start to improve in 2 to 3 months. The treatment for leprosy can take years, make sure you continue to take dapsone at regular intervals.
If you get a fever or sore throat do not treat yourself. These symptoms can indicate a serious reaction. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
If you are taking dapsone for dermatitis herpetiformis you may need to have a gluten-free diet. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice about this diet.
If your skin gets more sensitive to sunlight, keep out of the sun or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. If your eyes are more sensitive to light wear sunglasses.
What side effects may I notice from taking dapsone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
blood in urine
bluish fingernails or lips
dark yellow or brown urine
decrease or increase in the amount of urine passed
difficulty breathing
fever or chills, sore throat
lower back pain
pale skin
skin rash, redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of skin
stomach pain
tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual weakness or tiredness
yellowing of they eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
nausea, vomiting
loss of appetite
increased sensitivity to sun or ultraviolet light
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container well closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 9/29/2004 12:33:00 PM
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
An antibacterial used in humans for the treatment of leprosy and malaria. Used in cats to treat mycobacterial infections, particularly feline leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium lepraemurium.
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Dapsone
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| Systematic (IUPAC) name | |
| 4,4'sulfonyldianiline | |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | |
| ATC code | J04 |
| PubChem | |
| DrugBank | |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C12H12N2O2S |
| Mol. mass | 248.302 gmol-1 |
| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | 70 to 80% |
| Protein binding | 70 to 90% |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (mostly CYP2E1-mediated) |
| Half life | 20 to 30 hours |
| Excretion | Renal |
| Therapeutic considerations | |
| Pregnancy cat. | |
| Legal status | |
| Routes | Oral |
Dapsone(diamino-diphenyl sulphone) is an pharmacological medication most commonly used in combination with rifampicin and clofazimine as multidrug therapy (MDT) for the treatment of Mycobacterium leprae infections (leprosy).
In the early 20th century the German chemist Paul Ehrlich was developing theories of selective toxicity based largely on the ability of certain dyes to kill microbes. Gerhard Domagk, who would later win a Nobel Prize for his efforts, made a major breakthrough in 1932 with the discovery of the antibacterial prontosil red. Further investigation into the active chemicals involved led to the discoveries both of dapsone and of the antibacterial sulfonamides.[1]
As an antibacterial, dapsone inhibits bacterial synthesis of dihydrofolic acid. Though structurally distinct from dapsone, the sulfonamide group of antibacterial drugs also work in this way.
When used for the treatment of skin conditions in which bacteria do not have a role, the mechanism or action of dapsone is less well understood.
As well as being used in leprosy dapsone can also be used to treat dermatitis herpetiformis and other skin conditions including lichen planus. It is also sometimes used to prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia(PCP) in patients with HIV and to treat idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. It is used prophylactically to prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia and toxoplasmosis in patients unable to tolerate trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole.[1]
Dapsone is administered orally as a 100mg tablet or alternatively as 25mg tablets.
The most prominent side effects of this drug are dose-related hemolysis (which may lead to hemolytic anemia) and methemoglobinemia.[2] Agranulocytosis occurs rarely when dapsone is used alone but more frequently in combination regimens for malaria prophylaxis.[3] Abnormalities in white blood cell formation, including aplastic anaemia, are rare but the cause of the majority of deaths due to dapsone therapy.[4][5][6]
Toxic hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported by the manufacturer. Jaundice may also occur as part of the dapsone reaction or dapsone syndrome (see below). Dapsone is also known to inhibit the Cytochrome P450 system.
Other adverse effects include nausea, headache, and rash, which are common, and insomnia, psychosis and peripheral neuropathy. Effects on the lung occur rarely and may be serious though are generally reversible.[7]
Hypersensitivity reactions occur in some patients. This reaction may be more frequent in patients receiving multiple drug therapy.[8][9][10]
The reaction always involves a rash and may also include fever, jaundice, and eosinophilia.[11][12][13][14][15] These symptoms will generally occur within the first six weeks of therapy or not at all, and may be ameliorated by corticosteroid therapy.[1]
Certain patients are at higher risks of adverse effects when using dapsone. Some specific issues which should be considered are:[1]
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