What is Dapsone topical?
Dapsone is an anti-infective drug. Dapsone (for the skin) is used for acne. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Dapsone Topical.
Side effects of Dapsone topical
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to lips, face or throat - seek medical assistance immediately! Dapsone may cause methemoglobinemia, a serious condition where the oxygen level in your blood becomes dangerously low. If you notice that your lips, nails, or inside of your mouth are blue or gray, stop using dapsone and contact your doctor immediately.
Dapsone can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Sore throat.
- Unusual thoughts or behaviors
- A red blood cell disorder—backache; pale, yellowed, or dark urine; fever, confusion, or weakness.
- If you have pancreas issues, you may experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, a rapid heartbeat, a fast heartbeat, or nausea.
- Severe skin reaction: fever or sore throat; swelling of the face, tongue, or lips; eye pain, followed by a reddish or purple rash that spreads to other parts of your body, especially your face and upper body, and results in blistering or peeling.
Dapsone topical side effects may include:
- Dry or peeling skin
- Oily skin
- Redness at the site of application.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report adverse events.
Similar/related drugs
Doxycycline, Clindamycin topical, Topical Erythromycin, Tetracycline, and Tazorac
Warnings
Before taking your medication, read carefully through all instructions listed on its label or package. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, allergies, and medicines.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to dapsone, it is best not to use the topical.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that dapsone is safe for you:
- Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
- A blood disorder called methemoglobinemia (abnormal red cells in the blood);
- If you've ever had methemoglobinemia,
Dapsone topical is not known to harm an unborn child.Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Dapsone can be passed into breast milk, which may cause harm to a nursing infant. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding. Dapsone is not recommended for anyone under the age of 12.
How to take Dapsone topical?
Do not alter the instructions on your prescription. Use this medication only as directed.Do not exceed the recommended dosage or take it longer than necessary. Take it only as directed. Dapsone is only for topical use. Rinse your mouth, eyes, and vagina with water if this medication gets into them. Before applying dapsone, wash the skin. Dry the skin gently with a towel. Wash your hands as well after using this medicine. Dapsone should only be applied in small amounts each time. Use of dapsone topical and benzoyl-peroxide acne medications at the same time may cause temporary changes to the color of the skin or facial hair. If your symptoms persist after 12 weeks, call your doctor. Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature.Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep tube tightly sealed when not in use.
Details on dosage
Adult Dose of Acne Treatment:
Topical gel 5%: Apply a thin, pea-sized layer of the topical gel to acne-affected areas. Repeat this twice daily.
Topical gel 7.5%: Apply a thin, pea-sized layer of the topical gel to your face and other affected areas once daily.
Use: To treat acne vulgaris.
Usual pediatric dose for acne:
Twelve years of age or older
Topical Gel 5%: Apply a thin, pea-sized layer of the gel to acne-affected areas two times a day.
Topical Gel 7.5%: Apply a small amount of the gel in a thin, even layer on your face (and any other areas affected) at least once per day.
Use: To treat acne vulgaris.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, apply the missed dose. If it's almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose. Don't use extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses of dapsone are not dangerous. If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, seek emergency medical care or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
If dapsone topical accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse with water. Do not use other medications to treat the same areas that you have treated with dapsone unless you are told by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Dapsone can cause methemoglobinemia if certain medications are taken at the same time. These include sulfa drugs, acetaminophen (tylenol), nitroglycerin, and other nitrite medicines for the heart, seizure medication, etc. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications or if you will stop using them during treatment with dapsone. This list is incomplete. Dapsone topical may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
