dapsone – oral
Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat dermatitis herpetiformis and Hansen’s disease. Dapsone decreases inflammation and stops bacterial growth. It does not work for viral infections.
This drug can also treat or prevent a lung infection due to HIV, prevent a brain infection due to HIV, and treat skin conditions in certain immune system disorders.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth once daily or as directed by your doctor.
Antacids, ranitidine, famotidine, or didanosine may reduce dapsone’s effectiveness. Take dapsone at least 2 hours apart from these products. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of dapsone for a skin disorder and adjust it gradually. If you are taking this medication for Hansen’s disease or to prevent infections due to HIV, you may take it for years or for life.
Take this medication at the same time each day to get the most benefit from it. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusually fast heartbeat or breathing, bluish lips or skin, chest pain, mental/mood changes, muscle weakness, difficulty urinating.
This drug may rarely cause low blood counts or liver disease. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of an infection, unusual tiredness, pale skin, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach/abdominal pain.
Dapsone can cause a non-serious rash. Seek medical attention if you develop any rash. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to dapsone or similar drugs, or if you have any other allergies. Consult your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have severe anemia. Before using this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have certain blood disorders, liver disease, severe heart disease, severe lung disease, serious infection, or very high blood sugar.
If using this drug to treat Hansen’s disease, tell your doctor immediately if you notice worsening skin sores, numbness/pain/tingling, or muscle weakness.
This drug may cause dizziness. Do not perform activities that require alertness until you are sure you can do them safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
During pregnancy, use this medication only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially folic acid antagonists, nitrofurantoin, primaquine.
Some antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. Use additional reliable birth control methods while using this antibiotic.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures, bluish skin, sudden vision changes, or sudden loss of vision.
IMAGES
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Periodic medical tests should be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Iron, folic acid, and vitamin C may reduce the risk of developing anemia. If using dapsone for dermatitis herpetiformis, a gluten-free diet may improve the condition.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details.
Information last revised November 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.
