Dapsone 100 mg

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Akanksha Kaushal

Dr. Akanksha, Pharm-D

Dr. Akansha is a licensed Clinical Pharmacologist with extensive expertise in pharmacovigilance, prescription analysis, drug information, and safety. She's a dedicated educator and avid learner. Dr. Akansha also reviews medical content on GoodRx Medicine, ensuring accurate pharmaceutical information is accessible to all.

Written by

Julian Carter

Julian Carter

Julian, an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, brings a dynamic blend of expertise and impact with his contributions at Goodrxmedicine. His dedication and innovative spirit continue to shape a brighter future in pharmaceutical management.

About brand name of the drug

Dapsone 100 mg is an allopathic formulation available in the form of tablets. These tablets are manufactured by the company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The major API responsible for its action is Dapsone. Dapsone 100 mg is an antibacterial drug which used along with other drugs in the treatment of leprosy, a long-term infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis. This infection is identified by the loss of parts of extremities due to repeated injuries or unnoticed wounds.

About the drug 

Dapsone 100 mg contains Dapsone as the active pharmaceutical ingredient. It is available at online pharmacies, drugstore, and medical stores. The dosage of the tablet is generally determined by the doctor, who decides the dose depending on the age as well as weight of the individual. It is available in different strengths of 25mg and 100 mg. Dapsone 100 mg Tablet works by blocking the production of certain components necessary for the bacteria to divide and increase in numbers.

About salt of the drug

Dapsone 100 mg is an antibiotic containing Dapsone which is a member of the Sulphone family of medicines. This medication is used to treating a certain type of skin disorder (dermatitis herpetiformis). It is also work with other drugs to treat Hansen's disease. Dapsone belongs to a class of drugs which known as sulfones. It acts by decreasing swelling (inflammation) and stopping the growth of bacteria. This drug will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu).

Medical Uses of the drug

Dapsone 100 mg drug is used for the treatment of the following medical conditions:

• Leprosy: It is used to treat leprosy, a long-term infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis, characterized by the loss of parts of extremities due to repeated injuries or unnoticed wounds. This medicine is used in solution with rifampicin and clofazimine to treat leprosy.
• Dermatitis herpetiformis: Dermatitis herpetiformis is a chronic blistering skin condition characterized by blisters filled with a watery fluid and intense itching. Dapsone 100 mg is the primary treatment along with a gluten-free diet. With this treatment, the itching is decreased within 2-3 days.
• Acne vulgaris: It is used topically to treat acne vulgaris, a condition characterized by blackheads or whiteheads, pimples, and possible scarring.

 Working of a drug 

Dapsone 100 mg is an antibiotic. Dapsone acts against bacteria and protozoa in the same way as sulphonamides, that is by inhibiting the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid through competition with para-amino-benzoate for the active site of dihydropteroate synthetase. The anti-inflammatory action of the drug is irrelevent to its antibacterial action and is still not fully understood.

 Side effects 

Major and minor side effects of Dapsone 100 mg are as follows: -

• Hemolysis
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Suicidal thinking and behavior
• Convulsions
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Skin rash
• Fever
• Yellowing of skin and eyes
• Photosensitivity of skin
• Dizziness
• Unusual fast heartbeat and breathing

How to use 

Tablets are to be swallowed unchewed with fluid. The dosage should be determined by the indication, the severity and the site of infection, the susceptibility to Dapsone of the causative organism(s), the renal function of the patient and, in children and adolescents the body weight.

Missed Dose: Take the missed dose quickly, if one remembers it. If it is time for the next scheduled dose, then the missed dose may be skipped.

Overdose: Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose occurs.

Drugs that are known to interact with this medicine

Some potent drugs that interact with Dapsone 100 mg are-

• Diltiazem
• Amiodarone
• Sodium Nitrite
• Deferiprone
• Live cholera vaccine
• Local anesthetics
• Rifampicin
• Trimethoprim
• Pyrimethamine

When to avoid taking the drug

• Allergies: Known hypersensitivity to sulfonamides, sulfones, or any of the excipients; severe anemia; porphyria; severe glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
• Dapsone contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactose deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
• Dapsone should be discontinued or reduced in dosage if severe lepra reactions affecting the eyes or nerve trunks occur.
• If using this drug to treat Hansen's disease, it is important to note that as your immune system helps fight the infection, you may notice skin sores worsening, and numbness/pain/tingling or muscle weakness.

Things to avoid when using the drug

While taking Dapsone 100 mg, avoid consumption of-

• Alcohol: Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advised to discuss with doctor before taking the medicine.
• This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

General Information and Precautions

• Dapsone should be used with caution in patients with cardiac or pulmonary disease.
• It is advised that regular blood counts be performed during treatment with dapsone.
• Dapsone should be used with caution in anemia. Severe anemia should be treated before starting Dapsone.
• A "dapsone syndrome" may occur after 3-6 weeks therapy; symptoms include rash, which is always present, fever, and eosinophilia. If dapsone is not stopped immediately, the syndrome may progress to exfoliative dermatitis, hepatitis, albuminuria and psychosis.
• Dapsone 100 mg should be consumed with food.

 Precautions

• Pregnancy: It is not suggested for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
• Breast-feeding: It is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary.
• Severe anemia: It should be used with carefully in patients with severe anemia due to the increased risk of hemolytic anemia, a condition in which the red blood cells are destroyed.
• Exposure to sun: This medicine may cause the skin to become sensitive to bright light. Hence, it is advised to limit exposure to sunlight or sunlamps only for a short period of time. It is advised to wear protective clothing or use sunscreen if you are going out for a long period of time.
• Lab tests: Regular lab tests including complete blood counts should be performed to monitor the adverse effects of this medicine.
• Secondary infection: Long term use or repeated use of Dapsone 100 mg may cause secondary infections. If find any signs of secondary infection inform to the doctor immediately.
• Methemoglobinemia: It should be used with caution in patients with methemoglobin reductase deficiency due to the increased risk of hemolytic anemia, a condition in which the red blood cells will destroy.
• Glucose-6-phosphate deficiency: It should be used with caution in patients with G6PD (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency due to the increased risk of hemolytic anemia, a condition in which the red blood cells will destroy.

 Storage

• Dapsone 100 mg must be stored at room temperature.
• It should be kept away from children.
• It should be kept in a cool and dry place and away from sunlight.
• Outdated or medicine which is not needed anymore should be discarded. 

General FAQs regarding the drug

Is Dapsone 100 mg safe to be taken in pregnancy?

Ans. Dapsone 100mg tablet can be unsafe to use during pregnancy.

Animal studies have shown adverse response on the fetus, however, there are limited human studies. Pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk while using this tablet.

Does Dapsone 100 mg cause habit forming tendencies?

Ans. No such habit-forming tendencies were reported with the use of Dapsone 100 mg.

Should Dapsone 100 mg be consumed with food or without food?

Ans. Dapsone 100 mg should be taken with meals only.