Dapsone
About Dapsone
Dapsone belongs to the class of antibiotics used to treat acne (pimples). Acne is a skin condition that is common and occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells and oil. The acne-causing bacteria feeds on sebum (natural oil produced by skin), causing redness and swelling.
Dapsone contains Dapsone (antibiotic) that works by inhibiting the production of folic acid (vitamin) necessary for bacteria to grow, multiply and increase in numbers. Thereby stops or slows down the growth of bacteria and clears acne.
Use Dapsone as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to use Dapsone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience bluish tinge to the skin, skin peeling, dry skin, itching, redness or oiliness of the skin. Most of these side effects of Dapsone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Dapsone or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. You are recommended to consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. If you get shortness of breath, weakness, back pain, tiredness, dark brown urine, fever, pale or yellow skin, stop using Dapsone and consult a doctor immediately as they might be symptoms of haemolytic anaemia (breakdown of red blood cells).
Uses of Dapsone
Medicinal Benefits
Dapsone contains Dapsone used to treat acne (pimples). Dapsone inhibits the production of folic acid (vitamin) necessary for bacteria to grow, multiply and increase in numbers. Thereby, it stops or slows down the growth of bacteria causing acne and heals the skin by reducing swelling and redness.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dapsone
- Bluish tinge to the skin
- Skin peeling
- Dry skin
- Itching, redness or oiliness of the skin
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Dapsone or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you have methemoglobinemia (high levels of methemoglobin in blood), inform your doctor before using Dapsone. Avoid contact of topical form with mouth, eyes or vagina. In case it comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. You are recommended to consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Do not apply the gel in large amounts or use it for a long time than prescribed as it does not give quick or better results but increases the risk of side effects. If you get shortness of breath, weakness, back pain, tiredness, dark brown urine, fever, pale or yellow skin, stop using Dapsone and consult a doctor immediately as they might be symptoms of haemolytic anaemia (breakdown of red blood cells). This condition usually occurs in people with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency using Dapsone.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Dapsone may interact with keratolytic agents (benzoyl peroxide). Therefore, inform your doctor if you are using any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or methemoglobinemia (blood disorder), please inform your doctor before using Dapsone.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorInteraction of Dapsone with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Dapsone is given to pregnant women if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorPlease consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding. Dapsone is given to breastfeeding women if the doctor thinks the benefits are greater than the risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedDapsone usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Dapsone in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Dapsone in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
unsafeDapsone is not recommended for children below 12 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Regular exercise can improve your mood and self-esteem though it doesn’t clear acne. Take a shower immediately after finishing exercise as sweat may irritate acne.
- Do regular hair wash regularly and avoid hair falling across the face.
- Remove the makeup completely before going to bed.
- Avoid using products that may cause skin irritation, such as harsh soaps, skin cleansers, shampoos, hair removers or waxes, hair colouring or permanent chemicals, detergents and rough fabrics.
Special Advise
If your skin condition does not improve after using Dapsone for 12 weeks, please consult a dermatologist so that alternative treatments for acne may be prescribed.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acne: It is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells and oil, causing pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. Acne affects people of all ages but is most common among teenagers. The symptoms of acne include pus-filled pimples, uninflamed (not swollen) blackheads, red, large and tender bumps. The treatment for acne includes certain creams, cleansers and antibiotics.
FAQs
Dapsone is used to treat acne (pimples).
Dapsone contains Dapsone. Dapsone is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting the production of folic acid (vitamin) that is necessary for bacteria to grow, multiply and increase in numbers. Thereby stops or slows down the growth of bacteria and clears acne.
You are not recommended to use benzoyl peroxide with Dapsone at the same time as it may cause temporary orange or yellow discolouration of facial hair or skin. However, please consult a doctor before using other products with the topical form.
Dapsone may cause methemoglobinemia (a serious condition that occurs when oxygen amount in the blood decreases severely) as a side effect. It is not necessary for everyone using Dapsone to experience this side effect. However, if you notice a grey or blue appearance of your fingernails, lips or inside of your mouth, stop using Dapsone and consult a doctor immediately.
You are recommended to use Dapsone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the condition persists or worsens after using Dapsone for 12 weeks, please consult a doctor.
Dapsone may cause dryness of the skin. You can use a moisturizer while using Dapsone to prevent dry skin. However, do not apply Dapsone and moisturizer at the same time as it may reduce the effectiveness of Dapsone. Please consult a doctor before using other products with Dapsone.
Dapsone is not an immunosuppressant or a steroid. It is an antibiotic used to treat acne.
Dapsone should be used during pregnancy and lactation only if advised by the doctor. You are recommended to consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
There was no evidence of clinically relevant anaemia in patients treated with Dapsone due to low systemic absorption. However, patients with glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency or a history of methemoglobinemia are more susceptible to drug‐induced methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder in which an abnormal amount of methemoglobin). Consult the doctor if you notice bluish colouration of skin, lips and nail beds.
Inform your doctor if you are using keratolytic agents (benzoyl peroxide) or any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines.
Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a small amount of Dapsone as a thin layer and gently rub on the affected area of the skin as advised by your doctor.
Dapsone stops or slows down the growth of acne-causing bacteria and heals the skin by reducing swelling and redness.
Dapsone is only for external use; do not swallow it. Avoid contact of Dapsone with mouth, eyes or vagina as it may cause irritation. In case it comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember, However, if it is almost time for the scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next dose at the scheduled time.
Dapsone may cause side effects like bluish tinge to the skin, skin peeling, dry skin, itching, redness or oiliness of the skin. Most of these side effects of Dapsone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
