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General Medication Fact Sheet for Dapsone
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Dapsone |
| Brand Name Versions | Aczone |
| Boxed/Label Warning | May cause hemolytic anemia, especially in individuals with G6PD deficiency. Monitor blood counts regularly. Serious skin reactions may also occur. |
| Purpose | Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medication used to treat leprosy, dermatitis herpetiformis, and acne. |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits bacterial folic acid synthesis; anti-inflammatory effects may involve inhibition of neutrophil myeloperoxidase. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets, topical gel |
| Available Strengths | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg (tablets); 5%, 7.5% (topical gel) |
| Dosage Frequency | Once daily or as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Topical gel usually applied twice daily. |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, headache, skin rash, fatigue. |
| Serious Side Effects | Hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis, peripheral neuropathy, severe skin reactions (e.g., DRESS syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome). |
| Drug Interactions | Probenecid, rifampin, trimethoprim, pyrimethamine. |
| Important Notes | Patients with G6PD deficiency should be monitored closely for hemolytic anemia. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing anemia or cardiac disease. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Sulfasalazine, Minocycline, Isotretinoin, Corticosteroids (for some conditions). |
Dapsone Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sulfasalazine | Modulates inflammatory mediators; inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. | Used for inflammatory conditions; may be an alternative for dermatitis herpetiformis. |
| Minocycline | Tetracycline antibiotic; inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. | Used for acne and other bacterial infections. |
| Isotretinoin (Accutane) | Reduces sebum production, inhibits inflammation, and prevents comedone formation. | Used for severe acne; requires strict monitoring due to potential side effects. |
| Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone) | Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. | Used for severe inflammatory skin conditions; long-term use has significant side effects. |
Dapsone Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Hemolytic anemia (especially in G6PD deficient individuals) |
| Vomiting | Agranulocytosis (low white blood cell count) |
| Headache | Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) |
| Skin rash | Severe skin reactions (DRESS syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome) |
| Fatigue | Methemoglobinemia (abnormal hemoglobin) |
Dapsone Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leprosy | 50-100 mg daily | 50-100 mg daily (often combined with other antibiotics) | Take with or without food. Consult with your doctor for specific dosage. |
| Dermatitis Herpetiformis | 50 mg daily | 50-300 mg daily (adjusted based on response) | Gluten-free diet is also important. Consult with your doctor for specific dosage. |
| Acne (Topical) | Apply thin layer twice daily | Apply thin layer twice daily | Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands after application. Consult with your doctor for specific dosage. |
Dapsone Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $10 – $15 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $400 – $650 |
| From CPS | $167.95 |
