ABSTRACT

This chapter presents information on classification & mode of action, indications & dermatological uses, formulations/presentation, dosages & suggested regimens, baseline investigations, considerations & monitoring, contraindications, cautions, important drug interactions, adverse effects & their management, use in special situations, and essential patient information of Dapsone. Dapsone was first introduced in the 1940s for treatment of leprosy and remains an important therapy against Mycobacterium leprae. Dapsone inhibits the signal transduction cascade common to chemotactic stimuli, suppressing neutrophil recruitment and local production of toxic products. Dapsone is readily absorbed with good bioavailability and a relatively long half-life allows once daily dosing. Some patients with dermatitis herpetiformis are resistant to dapsone and require higher doses. Patients who adhere to a strict gluten free diet (GFD) are slowly able to reduce their minimum dapsone requirement and eventually wean off dapsone altogether though it takes 2 years on average for the rash to be controlled by GFD alone.