โ Active Ingredient Overview Table:
| ๐ฌ Active Ingredient (Generic Name): | Dapsone (Diaminodiphenyl Sulfone) |
|---|---|
| ๐ Indication: | Dermatitis Herpetiformis, Leprosy, Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia (PCP) Prophylaxis |
| ๐บ๐ธ US Brand Equivalent: | Aczone (Topical Dapsone), Dapsone Oral Tablets (Generic) |
| ๐ญ Manufacturer: | GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Founded: 2000) |
| ๐ฆ Packaging: | 1000 Tablets per Bottle |
| ๐งช Strength: | 100 mg |
| ๐ Delivery Time: | 6โ15 days |
๐ฟ What is Dapsone 100 mg?
Dapsone is a sulfone antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties. It is indicated for the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis, a pruritic blistering skin condition associated with celiac disease, and multibacillary leprosy as part of combination therapy (e.g., with rifampicin and clofazimine). Additionally, Dapsone serves as prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-infected patients intolerant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Its dual antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions arise from inhibition of dihydropteroate synthase in microbial folate synthesis and suppression of neutrophil myeloperoxidase-derived oxidants.
๐งฌ Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action
| Component | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Dapsone 100 mg | โข Antibacterial: Inhibits dihydropteroate synthase โ disrupts folate synthesis in Mycobacterium leprae and Pneumocystis jirovecii. โข Anti-inflammatory: Reduces neutrophil chemotaxis and inhibition of myeloperoxidase-derived oxidant production โ decreases inflammation in dermatitis herpetiformis. |
| Absorption | Rapid oral absorption; peak plasma concentration ~2โ4 hours post-dose. |
| Distribution | Widely distributed; crosses blood-brain barrier; high concentrations in skin and gastrointestinal tract. |
| Metabolism | Hepatic N-acetylation and glucuronidation; metabolites excreted renally. |
| Half-Life | ~20โ30 hours (varies based on acetylator status). |
๐ก Indications & Usage
| Condition | Dosage & Regimen |
|---|---|
| Dermatitis Herpetiformis | โข Initial: 100 mg orally once daily. โข Titrate by 50 mg increments every 1โ2 weeks until rash control (max 300 mg/day divided BID). โข Once controlled, taper to lowest effective dose. |
| Leprosy (as part of ROM therapy or WHO MDT) | โข Multibacillary regimen: 100 mg orally once daily as part of combination with rifampicin (600 mg monthly) and clofazimine (300 mg monthly, then 50 mg daily). โข Duration per WHO guidelines: 12 months. |
| PCP Prophylaxis in HIV-Infected Patients | โข 100 mg orally once daily. โข If intolerance to daily dosing, 200 mg orally three times weekly can be used. โข Monitor for hemolysis; consider folinic acid supplementation if needed. |
Administration Tips:
- Take with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset.
- Divide dose into two daily administrations if >100 mg to minimize peak-related side effects.
- Perform baseline G6PD testing to assess risk of hemolytic anemia.
โ ๏ธ Warnings & Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Skin rash (mild)
Hematologic:
- Hemolytic anemia (especially in G6PD-deficient patients)
- Methemoglobinemia (dose-dependent; monitor for cyanosis, fatigue)
- Agranulocytosis (rare; monitor CBC regularly during therapy)
Serious (Rare):
- Hypersensitivity syndrome (Dapsone hypersensitivity reaction): presents with fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, hepatitis, and eosinophilia. โข Onset: 4โ6 weeks after initiation. โข Management: Discontinue immediately; supportive care.
- Neurotoxicity: peripheral neuropathy (long-term use)
- Hepatotoxicity: monitor liver enzymes periodically.
Precautions:
- G6PD Deficiency: Contraindicated due to high risk of severe hemolysis.
- Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Use only if potential benefit outweighs risks; crosses placenta and excreted in breast milk.
- Monitoring: Baseline and periodic CBC with differential, reticulocyte count, methemoglobin levels, liver function tests.
๐ฅ Storage Instructions
Store Dapsone 100 mg tablets at room temperature (20ยฐCโ25ยฐC). Protect from moisture and light. Keep bottle tightly closed in original packaging. Discard 6 months after opening. Ensure tablets remain dry and out of reach of children.
๐ Availability & Purchasing
- United States: Prescription required; Dapsone tablets available as generic. – United Kingdom & EU: Prescription-only; Dapsone indicated for dermatitis herpetiformis and leprosy. – Australia: Prescription mandatory; available through specialist clinics for dermatological and infectious indications.
Importing Dapsone 100 mg from India can provide cost savings. Ensure a valid prescription and compliance with local importation regulations (e.g., personal import schemes) to avoid customs delays.
๐Authoritative Resources
๐ Internal Links to Related Antimicrobial & Dermatologic Therapies (Indian Brands)
- Clofazimine 100 mg Capsules โ Companion in leprosy therapy by Abbott India.
๐ฅ Educational Video on Dapsone Therapy
๐จโโ๏ธ Expert Insight: Dr. Anjali Mehta, Dermatologist & Infectious Disease Specialist
โDapsoneโs utility in both dermatologic inflammatory conditions and infectious disease prophylaxis underscores its versatility. Careful monitoring for hematologic toxicity and hypersensitivity is critical for patient safety.โ




