Dapsone

This form:

Pronounced

"DAP-sown"

Common brand names:

Avlosulfon

Uses

This medication 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.

This medication will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. 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 for skin conditions in certain immune system disorders (such as systemic lupus erythematosus-SLE) or for a certain lung infection due to HIV (pneumocystis pneumonia). It may also be used to reduce the risk of a certain brain infection due to HIV (toxoplasmosis).

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

Medications for heartburn/reducing stomach acid (such as large amounts of antacids, ranitidine, famotidine) may prevent full absorption of dapsone into your bloodstream, possibly reducing its effectiveness. Separate your dose of dapsone from your doses of any of these products by at least 2 hours. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

If you are taking dapsone for a skin disorder, your doctor may start you on a low dose of dapsone and gradually adjust your dose to control your disease. If you are taking this medication to treat Hansen's disease or to prevent infections due to HIV, the drug is usually taken for years or for life.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on age and weight.

For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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