What is Dapsone?
Dapsone fights bacteria. Dapsone can be used to treat herpetiformis dermatitis, a skin condition, and leprosy. Dapsone can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Dapsone
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Dapsone can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, you may be experiencing a worsening of your symptoms.
- Jaundice
- Numbness in the hands or feet
- Unusual thoughts or behaviors
- New or worsening Cough; fever; trouble breathing
- Rapid weight gain and swelling is present, yet no urine output occurs regularly.
- Signs of an abnormal blood count include a sudden onset of weakness, nausea, sore or swelling gums, mouth sores or ulcers, difficulty swallowing, pale or red skin, easy bruises, or purple or red pinpoints under the skin.
- Nausea, vomiting, and rapid heart rate are all symptoms of pancreatic problems.
- An autoimmune disorder involves joint swelling with fever or headaches, shortness of breath, and butterfly-shaped skin itching that gets worse when exposed to sunlight.
- Severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, and swelling of the face and tongue. Burning in the eyes. A red or purple rash appears, which spreads to other parts of your body, especially your face and upper part.
Dapsone side effects may include:
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
- headache;
- Dizziness or spinning sensation
you may experience blurred vision or ringing in the ears. - Sleep problems (insomnia).
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; for reporting purposes contact 1-800-FDA-1088 to report.
Similar/related drugs
Prednisone, Clindamycin, Dexamethasone, Bactrim, Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim, Decadron, Bactrim DS
Warnings
Please read and follow all instructions listed on your medication's label or package carefully, informing healthcare providers about any medical conditions, allergies and medicines you are currently taking.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to dapsone, then it is best not to use this drug.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that dapsone will be safe for you:
- G6PD deficiency, also referred to as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, is a genetic enzyme deficiency;
- Methemoglobin reductase deficiency (hemoglobin M);
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Lung disease.
FDA pregnancy class C There is no information on whether dapsone can harm an unborn child. You should tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant while taking this medication. Dapsone may pass into breastmilk and harm nursing babies. Dapsone should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Dapsone?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may change the dose from time to time in order to get you the best results. Take this medication only as prescribed. Never take more or longer than recommended dose. Dapsone is sometimes only one part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes a special diet. Your doctor or nutritionist will have created a diet plan for you. Learn what foods to avoid in order to control your condition. You will need to have your doctor monitor you while using dapsone. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light to preserve quality and extend shelf life.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for leprosy:
Take 50–100 mg once daily for 2–5 years.
Adult dose for leprosy -- Tuberculoid:
One hundred mg once daily for six months Rifampin can also be recommended to reduce dapsone-resistant cases. This regimen should be repeated if the disease relapses.
Usual Adult Dose for Dermatitis Herpetiformis:
Continue to take 50 mg once a day for the rest of your life. The dosage can be increased to 300 mg/day. It is recommended to reduce the dosage as quickly as possible.
Adult dose for Pneumocystis:
Use 100 mg once daily for 14–21 days. Use in conjunction with trimethoprim.
Adult dose for Pneumocystis prophylaxis:
Take 100 mg twice a week. The treatment should continue for the rest of your life. Dapsone's activity for PCP prevention appears to be significantly increased by the addition of pyrimethamine.
Adult dose for Toxoplasmosis: Prophylaxis
Continue to take 100 mg twice a week for the rest of your life.
Usual pediatric dose for leprosy:
Orally, 1 to 2 mg/kg up to 100 mg once per day.
The Usual Pediatric Dose of Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prevention:
> 1 month:
Orally, 2 mg/kg/day up to 100 mg
Alternate dosing:
> 1 month:
Orally, 4 mg/kg once a week. Maximum dose = 200 mg.
The usual pediatric dose for toxoplasmosis is prophylaxis.
> 1 month:
Orally, take 2 mg/kg/day (15 mg/m2) once daily. Dapsone is administered in combination with other drugs to prevent toxoplasmosis.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include nausea, a feeling of restlessness or excitement, or a pale, blue, or gray appearance.
What should be avoided?
Avoid tanning beds or exposure to the sun. Dapsone may make you burn easier. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more.
Interaction with other drug
Dapsone may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.
