Uses
Dapsone is used to treat leprosy and skin infections.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects Of Dapsone
Dapsone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- sore throat
- fever
- rash
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- unusual bruising
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking dapsone:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dapsone, sulfa drugs, phenylhydrazine, naphthalene, niridazole, nitrofurantoin, primaquine, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aminobenzoate potassium (Potaba), aminobenzoic acid, clofazimine (Lamprene), didanosine (Videx), probenecid (Benemid), pyrimethamine (Daraprim), rifampin (Rifadin), trimethoprim (Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra), or vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had anemia or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking dapsone, call your doctor.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Dapsone may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
Dosage Of Dapsone
Dapsone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Dapsone usually is taken either once a day or three times a week. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dapsone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to dapsone.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
