Dapsone: what it is for, how to take it and side effects

Dapsone is an antibiotic indicated for the treatment of leprosy, also known as leprosy, when associated with other antibiotics, such as rifampicin and/or clofazimine, as it helps eliminate the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae.

Furthermore, dapsone may be indicated for the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis, which is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by gluten intolerance, which leads to the appearance of blisters on the skin, similar to herpes. Understand what herpetiform dermatitis is and its causes.

Dapsone, also known as diaminodiphenylsulfone, can be found in the form of 50 mg or 100 mg tablets, with the names FURP-Dapsone or LFM-Dapsone, and is only offered by the SUS in the hospital, with a medical prescription, after the diagnosis of these diseases .

What is it for

Dapsone is indicated for the treatment of all forms of leprosy, also known as leprosy or Hansen’s disease, in association with rifampicin and/or clofazimine.

Furthermore, this remedy is also indicated for the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis, along with a gluten-free diet. See how to follow a gluten-free diet.

How to drink

Dapsone should be taken orally, with a glass of water, and can be taken after a meal, to reduce stomach discomfort. It is important to take the dapsone tablet at the same time every day.

If you forget to take it at the correct time, you should take it as soon as you remember, but if it is close to the time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose and wait for the next time to take it. Under no circumstances should you double the dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

1. Leprosy

For the treatment of leprosy, the normally recommended doses of dapsone are:

• Adults: 1 tablet per day, at the dose recommended by the doctor;
• Children: 1 to 2 mg per kg of body weight, per day, as calculated by the pediatrician.
• 1 mg/kg a 2 mg/kg

Dapsone for the treatment of all types of leprosy must be associated with rifampicin, and in the case of multibacillary leprosy, it must be associated with rifampicin and clofazimine. Check out all types of leprosy and treatment.

2. Herpetiform dermatitis

In the case of dermatitis herpetiformis, the dose of dapsone must be adapted according to the response of each organism, and treatment is normally started with a dose of 50 mg per day, which can be increased up to 300 mg, depending on with the guidance of the dermatologist.

The dose of dapsone must be reduced by the doctor over time until the minimum dose capable of relieving symptoms is found.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects that may occur during treatment with dapsone are stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, difficulty sleeping, frequent infections, allergic dermatitis, tingling, reversible psychosis or hepatitis.

Additionally, dapsone can cause destruction of red blood cells, increasing the risk of anemia or jaundice, especially when used in high doses. Therefore, you should notify your doctor immediately if symptoms appear, such as:

• Weakness;
• General malaise
• Fever or chills;
• Sore throat;
• Mouth sores;
• Bleeding or swelling in the gums;
• Pale skin;
• Purple or red spots on the skin;
• Yellow skin or eyes;
• Swelling in the body;
• Rapid weight gain for no apparent reason;
• Little or no urine.

Dapsone can also cause serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis that require immediate medical attention, and you should stop treatment and seek the nearest emergency room if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, feeling of a closed throat, swelling in the mouth, tongue or face, severe itching or blistering of the skin. Know how to identify the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Who shouldn’t use

Dapsone should not be used in cases of severe anemia or advanced renal amyloidosis, as well as in cases of allergy to any component of the formula.

In the case of pregnant women and breastfeeding women, this medication should only be used with a doctor’s advice, after evaluating the benefits of the treatment for the woman and the risks for the baby.

Furthermore, dapsone should be used with caution in people who have heart or lung disease, porphyria, decompensated diabetes, liver failure, or deficiency of the enzyme glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD).