Dapsone

Dapsone treats acne and leprosy. Topical dapsone may increase skin sensitivity and you may sunburn easier. Avoid prolonged exposure to sun and wear protective clothing.

Dapsone Overview

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Dapsone is a prescription medication used to treat a certain skin infection. It is also used to treat leprosy and acne. Dapsone belongs to a group of drugs called anti-infectives. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is unknown exactly how dapsone works against skin infections. 

This medication comes in a tablet form to be taken by mouth. The tablets are usually taken once a day, with or without food.

Dapsone also comes as a topical gel and is typically applied twice a day.

Common side effects of dapsone tablets includes upset stomach and vomiting. Dapsone tablets can also cause blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how dapsone affects you.

Common side effects of dapsone gel includes oiliness/peeling, dryness, and redness of the skin at the application site.

 

How was your experience with Dapsone?

First, a little about yourself

Tell us about yourself in a few words?

What tips would you provide a friend before taking Dapsone?

What are you taking Dapsone for?

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  • Other
  • Aids-related Opportunistic Infections
  • Dermatitis Herpetiformis
  • Leprosy, Lepromatous
  • Malaria
  • Polychondritis, Relapsing
  • Toxoplasmosis

How long have you been taking it?

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  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did Dapsone work for you?

Did you experience many side effects while taking this drug?

How likely would you be to recommend Dapsone to a friend?

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Uses of Dapsone

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Oral Tablets:

  • Dapsone is a prescription medication used to treat a skin infection called dermatitis herpetiformis, a rash with bumps and blisters that is very itchy and stays over a long period of time.
  • It is also used to treat leprosy, a chronic infectious disease that affects the nerves, skin, respiratory tract, eyes, and sinuses.  

Topical Gel:

  • Topically, dapsone is used to treat acne.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Dapsone Brand Names

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Dapsone may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Dapsone Drug Class

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Dapsone is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Dapsone

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Serious side effects have been reported with dapsone. See the "Drug Precautions" section.

Common side effects of dapsone tablets include the following:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • upset stomach
  • trouble sleeping
  • blurred vision
  • headache
  • fast heartbeat

Common side effects of dapsone gel include the following:

  • oiliness/peeling of skin
  • dry skin
  • redness of the skin at the application site

This is not a complete list of dapsone side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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