Dapsone

Uses

Dapsone is an antibiotic medication used to treat leprosy.

Dapsone is a sulphone antibiotic medication available for many years to treat leprosy, as well as a variety of other dermatological conditions, including Dermatitis herpetiformis, Linear IgA bullous dermatosis, Vasculitis, Pyoderma gangrenosum, Sweet disease, Aphthous ulceration, and Granuloma annulare.

Dosing

Dapsone comes in tablet form and is take by mouth, either once a day or three times a week. It is important to follow your doctor's prescription instructions.

Side Effects

Side effects are mild and infrequent, but may include nausea, vomiting, headache, or yellowing of the eyes, blue discoloration of lips and fingertips. Less common side effects may include Anaemia, weakness in the hand and foot muscles, unusual bruising, or -- in very rare cases -- psychosis. More serious side effects are very rare but could include a decrease in the white blood cell count or an illness resembling glandular fever.

Notes of Precaution

Because Dapsone can cause upset stomach, take it with food or water.

Notify your doctor if you are allergic to apsone, sulfa drugs, phenylhydrazine, naphthalene, niridazole, nitrofurantoin, primaquine, or any other drug.

Let your doctor know if you have anemia or liver disease.

Dapsone may make your skin sensitive to sunlight so wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Do not take Dapsone if you are pregnant, plan to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

* Dapsone should be stored at room temperature and kept out of the reach of children.