Dapsone
Dapsone Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
DAPSONE (DAP sone) is an antiinfective. It is used to treat a skin problem called Dermatitis herpetiformis. This medicine is also used to treat leprosy.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
anemia
diabetes
glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
liver disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to dapsone, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
fluorouracil, 5-FU
methotrexate
pyrimethamine
rifampin
trimethoprim
trimetrexate
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
bluish fingernails or lips
changes in vision, hearing
dark urine
fast, irregular heartbeat
fever
joint swelling
more or less urine passed
muscle weakness
pale skin
tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet
unusual bleeding, bruising
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
headache
loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting
stomach pain
trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container closed tightly. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Dapsone Topical gel
What is this medicine?
DAPSONE (DAP sone) is an antiinfective medicine used on the skin to treat acne.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
anemia
glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
an unusual or allergic reaction to dapsone, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for external use only. Wash hands before and after use. Wash affected area and gently pat dry. Apply a thin layer of the gel to the affected areas. A pea-sized amount of the gel will usually be enough. Rub in gently and completely. Apply as often as prescribed, usually once in the morning and once in the evening. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
other acne products
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
You must visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If your acne does not get better after 12 weeks, talk to your healthcare provider about other treatments for acne.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have excessive tiredness or if you have any side effects do not go away or bother you.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
bluish fingernails or lips
skin redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
mild skin dryness, redness, oiliness
peeling of treated skin
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 24 degrees C (68 and 76 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep container well closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert