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Dapsone - Learn about Dapsone Side Effects and Precautions

Dapsone Information

The pharmacology action of Dapsone is that it mechanism of action is unknown; however, dapsone is bactericidal and bacteriostatic against Mycobacterium leprae .

Dapsone is used in treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis; leprosy.

Interaction and Contraindication of Dapsone

Interaction of Dapsone - Didanosine:  Absorption of dapsone may be decreased, resulting in a loss of efficacy.
Trimethoprim:  Plasma concentrations of both dapsone and trimethoprim may be elevated, increasing the pharmacologic and toxic effects

Contraindication of Dapsone - Not Available

Side Effects of Dapsone

Here are the list of some common side effects of Dapsone :

• Peripheral neuropathy; motor loss; muscle weakness; insomnia; headache; psychosis.
• Blurred vision; tinnitus
• Nausea; vomiting; abdominal pains; pancreatitis; vertigo
• Albuminuria; nephrotic syndrome; renal papillary necrosis; male infertility.
• Hemolysis; increased reticulocyte count; shortened red cell life span; rise in methemoglobin.
• Fever; phototoxicity; hypoalbuminemia; lupus erythematosus; infectious mononucleosis-like syndrome.

Precaution and Warning while taking Dapsone

The precaution and warnings of Dapsone drug is as follows:

• Advise patient that medication may be started at a low dose and then gradually increased to provide maximum benefit.
• Instruct patient to continue to take other prescribed medications while taking dapsone.
• Emphasize to patient that treatment will be lengthy and that the entire course of treatment must be completed to avoid relapse or development of resistance.
• Advise patient to take each dose with food if GI upset occurs.
• Instruct patient to stop using and notify health care provider immediately if any of the following symptoms occur: skin rash, sore throat, fever, paleness, purple discoloration of skin, yellowing of skin or eyes, muscle weakness.
• Advise women to notify health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Advise patient that drug may cause blurred vision or dizziness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness until tolerance is determined.
• Instruct patient to not take any prescription or OTC medications or dietary supplements unless advised by health care provider.

How to store Dapsone

• Administer prescribed dose daily.
• Administer each dose without regard to meals. Administer with food if GI upset occurs.
• Store tablets at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F).