Dapsone
About Dapsone
Dapsone is a prescription topical gel used to treat acne vulgaris in adults and children. It helps reduce the number and severity of acne pimples by targeting the underlying causes of breakouts. This medicine is applied directly to the affected skin to help restore a clearer, healthier-looking complexion.
For the best results, you should use Dapsone consistently once or twice daily, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is important to apply a thin layer to clean, completely dry skin to avoid unnecessary irritation. Coupling this treatment with a gentle skincare routine will help improve your skin's overall response to the medication.
While using this gel, you might experience mild skin dryness, redness, or peeling at the application site. These symptoms are usually temporary as your skin adjusts, but you should consult your doctor immediately if you experience severe skin irritation, unusual tiredness, or bluish fingernails.
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients in the past. It is important to talk to your doctor before starting Dapsone if you have a condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, as this can increase your risk of red blood cell problems.
If you use other topical acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide at the same time, it may cause a temporary yellow or orange discolouration of your skin and facial hair. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before using this medicine to ensure it is safe for their specific situation.
Uses of Dapsone
Medicinal Benefits
When used regularly as directed, Dapsone helps reduce inflammatory acne and supports clearer, healthier-looking skin.
- Reduces inflamed pimples: Helps reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with inflammatory acne.
- Supports clearer skin: Regular use helps improve acne over time and reduces the appearance of inflamed breakouts.
- Helps prevent new inflammatory breakouts: Continued treatment helps reduce the formation of new inflamed pimples.
- Acts where it is needed: Because it is applied directly to the skin, only a small amount of the medicine is absorbed into the body.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Apply a small amount of Dapsone as a thin layer on the clean and dry affected area of the skin as advised by your doctor.
- Wash your hands before and after applying Dapsone.
Storage
Side Effects of Dapsone
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Dry, red, or peeling skin
- Mild itching, burning, or redness at the application site
- Oily or greasy skin
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Severe burning, redness, swelling, or blistering of the treated skin
- Bluish or greyish colour of the skin, lips, or fingernails
- Unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, or a pale appearance
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Watch for temporary skin colour changes: If you use benzoyl peroxide alongside Dapsone, your skin or facial hair may turn yellow or orange at the application site. Washing the skin with soap and water can usually remove this tint.
- Keep away from sensitive areas: Avoid getting the gel in your eyes, mouth, nostrils, or on open wounds. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Monitor for oxygen level changes: Be alert for signs of methemoglobinemia, a rare condition that reduces oxygen in your blood. If you notice blue lips, shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat, stop using the gel and seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Use sun protection daily: While using acne treatments, your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Drug Interactions
The following medicines may interact with Dapsone:
- Benzoyl peroxide: Using this topical acne treatment at the same time as Dapsone can cause a temporary yellow, orange, or bronze discolouration of the skin and hair where applied.
- Oral sulfonamides: Combining topical gel with oral sulfonamide medications may increase the risk of systemic side effects, such as blood disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorInteraction of Dapsone with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Dapsone is given to pregnant women if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorPlease consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding. Dapsone is given to breastfeeding women if the doctor thinks the benefits are greater than the risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedDapsone usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Dapsone in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Dapsone in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
unsafeDapsone is not recommended for children below 12 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use a gentle skin routine: Wash your face no more than twice a day with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to avoid stripping your skin's natural moisture barrier.
- Choose non-comedogenic products: Ensure all your makeup, moisturisers, and sunscreens are labeled 'non-comedogenic' or 'oil-free' so they do not clog your pores.
- Avoid picking or squeezing: Squeezing pimples can push bacteria deeper into the skin, leading to worse inflammation, scarring, and longer healing times.
- Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals: Drinking plenty of water and minimising highly processed, high-sugar foods may help support overall skin health and reduce inflammatory flare-ups.
Special Advise
If your skin condition does not improve after using Dapsone for 12 weeks, please consult a dermatologist so that alternative treatments for acne may be prescribed.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acne: It is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells and oil, causing pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. Acne affects people of all ages but is most common among teenagers. The symptoms of acne include pus-filled pimples, uninflamed (not swollen) blackheads, red, large and tender bumps. The treatment for acne includes certain creams, cleansers and antibiotics.
FAQs
Dapsone is used to treat acne (pimples).
Dapsone contains Dapsone. Dapsone is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting the production of folic acid (vitamin) that is necessary for bacteria to grow, multiply and increase in numbers. Thereby stops or slows down the growth of bacteria and clears acne.
You are not recommended to use benzoyl peroxide with Dapsone at the same time as it may cause temporary orange or yellow discolouration of facial hair or skin. However, please consult a doctor before using other products with the topical form.
Dapsone may cause methemoglobinemia (a serious condition that occurs when oxygen amount in the blood decreases severely) as a side effect. It is not necessary for everyone using Dapsone to experience this side effect. However, if you notice a grey or blue appearance of your fingernails, lips or inside of your mouth, stop using Dapsone and consult a doctor immediately.
You are recommended to use Dapsone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the condition persists or worsens after using Dapsone for 12 weeks, please consult a doctor.
Dapsone is not an immunosuppressant or a steroid. It is an antibiotic used to treat acne.
Dapsone should be used during pregnancy and lactation only if advised by the doctor. You are recommended to consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
There was no evidence of clinically relevant anaemia in patients treated with Dapsone due to low systemic absorption. However, patients with glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency or a history of methemoglobinemia are more susceptible to drug‐induced methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder in which an abnormal amount of methemoglobin). Consult the doctor if you notice bluish colouration of skin, lips and nail beds.
Inform your doctor if you are using keratolytic agents (benzoyl peroxide) or any other prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicines.
Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a small amount of Dapsone as a thin layer and gently rub on the affected area of the skin as advised by your doctor.
Dapsone is only for external use; do not swallow it. Avoid contact of Dapsone with mouth, eyes or vagina as it may cause irritation. In case it comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember, However, if it is almost time for the scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next dose at the scheduled time.
Dapsone may cause side effects like bluish tinge to the skin, skin peeling, dry skin, itching, redness or oiliness of the skin. Most of these side effects of Dapsone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Yes, mild skin dryness, redness, and peeling are common side effects, especially when you first start using the gel. Applying an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser can help manage these symptoms. If the irritation becomes severe, talk to your doctor.
Yes, you can apply makeup over this gel. You should wait a few minutes after applying Dapsone to allow it to dry completely before putting on any cosmetics or sunscreen. Talk to your doctor about choosing skin-safe makeup.
On its own, Dapsone does not typically change skin colour. However, if it is used at the same time as benzoyl peroxide, a temporary yellow-orange tint may appear on your skin or facial hair. This discolouration can easily be washed off with soap and water. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
This medicine is typically applied either once or twice daily, depending on the specific strength of the gel and your doctor's recommendations. Do not increase your frequency of application without consulting a professional. Talk to your doctor for a personalised plan.
If the gel accidentally gets into your eyes, mouth, or nose, rinse the area immediately with large amounts of cool water. If you experience persistent burning, pain, or changes in your vision, seek medical help immediately. Talk to your doctor if symptoms continue.
Acne treatment takes time, and noticeable improvement with Dapsone usually takes 8 to 12 weeks of regular use. Continue using the medicine exactly as prescribed. If your acne does not improve after this time, becomes worse, or you develop severe skin irritation, consult your doctor. They may review your treatment plan or recommend a different approach.
Dapsone is available in different strengths. The appropriate strength, how often it is applied, and the minimum approved age depend on the specific formulation. Your doctor will prescribe the product that is most suitable for your age and acne severity.
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