Dapsone
Purpose of Medication and Method of Action
Dapsone is indicated for the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis, Hansen¹s disease, and pneumocystis carnii. Although the mechanism of action in the treatment of Hansen¹s disease and pneumocustis carnii is via abacteriostatic mechanism its action in treating dermatitis herpetiformis is not known.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are: nausea and vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, headache and insomnia. The more serious side effects are: destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis) and peripheral neuropathy evidenced by tingling and numbness of the extremity. Patients should report any sore throat, fever, easy bruising, or appearance of yellow sclera (white of eye) to their physician.
Drug Interactions
Rifampin lowers dapsone blood levels by as much as 7-10 fold and if added to therapy will require a substantial increase in dapsone dose. When trimethoprim is added to dapsone serum levels increased by approximately 50%. This could increase dapsone side effects.
Cautions and Contraindications
None
Usual Dose
Starting 50 mg each day for adults with slow titration upward to therapeutic effectiveness of 300 mg, whichever comes sooner.
Patient Medication Information
These information sheets do not list all known side effects of the medications, only the most common side effects. For a complete list of side effects please contact your local pharmacy or the actual drug manufacturing company.