Dapsone

Dapsone is used to treat a certain type of skin disorder (dermatitis herpetiformis). It is also used with other drugs to treat Hansen's disease. Dapsone belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfones. It works by decreasing swelling (inflammation) and stopping the growth of bacteria. Dapsone will not work for viral infections (common cold, flu).

Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional. This drug may also be used to treat or prevent a certain lung infection due to HIV (pneumocystis pneumonia), to prevent a certain brain infection due to HIV (toxoplasmosis), and to treat skin conditions in certain immune system disorders.

Do not use Dapsone if you are allergic to any ingredient in Dapsone.

Before using Dapsone:
Some medical conditions may interact with Dapsone. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have AIDS, liver problems, anemia, heart problems, kidney problems, low levels of an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase or methemoglobin reductase, high blood levels of ketones, hemoglobin M, or urination problems

Some medicines may interract with Dapsone. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Rifampin because it may decrease Dapsone's effectiveness
• Probenecid or trimethoprim because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Dapsone

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Dapsone may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.