Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD): Very limited data available: Term infants: Oral: 0.5 or 1 mg/kg/day; dosing based on experience from two case reports (PNA: 9 days and 20 days) which showed a positive response to dapsone therapy; however, adverse effects hindered treatment course. In the case report involving the youngest patient (PNA: 9 days), the initial dose was 1 mg/kg/day with concurrent prednisolone; the dose was increased to 2 mg/kg/day at which point the neonate developed methemoglobinemia by day 14 of treatment and dapsone was temporarily discontinued; a second course was initiated at 9 months of age for another disease flare at 0.5 mg/kg/day (Ref). In the other case report (PNA: 20 days), initial therapy was 0.5 mg/kg/day; the dose was later increased to 1 mg/kg/day; while LABD improved on dapsone therapy, the patient developed pneumonia (highly resistant) which required discontinuation of dapsone (Ref).
Dermatitis herpetiformis: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Oral: Initial: 0.5 to 2 mg/kg/day in 1 to 2 divided doses (Ref); maximum initial daily dose in adults: 50 mg/day; increase dose as needed to achieve control; usual adult dose: 300 mg/dose; once lesions controlled, some have reported that dose may be decreased as tolerated for chronic therapy to a reported range: 0.125 to 0.5 mg/kg/day (Ref).
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), refractory: Limited data available: Children ≥3 years and Adolescents: Oral: 1 to 2 mg/kg/day for at least 2 months. Dosing based on two retrospective reviews. The first was a retrospective cohort analysis of adult and pediatric (age range: 3 to 61 years, including 35 patients <16 years) with chronic ITP (>6 months with diagnosis) who failed steroid therapy and observed an overall similar response rate for children (65.7%) and adults (Ref). Adverse effects occurred in three patients (one with acute hemolysis and two with an erythematous rash). The second was a small retrospective report of seven pediatric patients with acute or chronic refractory, symptomatic ITP (age range: 6 to 15 years) which also showed a similar response rate (60%); however, a higher incidence (two of seven patients [29%]) of methemoglobinemia was observed (Ref).
Leprosy (Hansen's disease): Note: Treatment should be managed in consultation with a leprosy expert; use of multidrug therapy is important to prevent drug resistance (Ref). Recommended duration varies:
Paucibacillary (Tuberculoid) leprosy (1 to 5 patches):
National Hansen's Disease Program Recommendations: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Oral: 1 mg/kg/dose once daily for 12 months; maximum dose: 100 mg/dose; use in combination with rifampin (Ref).
WHO Recommendations (Ref):
Infants and Children <10 years and weighing <20 kg: Oral: 2 mg/kg/dose once daily for 6 months; use in combination with rifampin
Children ≥10 years and Adolescents ≤14 years:
20 to 40 kg: Oral: 25 mg once daily for 6 months; use in combination with rifampin
>40 kg: Oral: 50 mg once daily for 6 months; use in combination with rifampin
Adolescents >14 years: Oral: 100 mg once daily for 6 months; use in combination with rifampin
Multibacillary (Lepromatous) leprosy (≥6 patches):
National Hansen's Disease Program Recommendations: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Oral: 1 mg/kg/dose once daily for 24 months; maximum dose: 100 mg/dose; use in combination with rifampin and clofazimine (Ref).
WHO Recommendations (Ref):
Infants and Children <10 years and weighing <20 kg: Oral: 2 mg/kg/dose once daily for 12 months; use in combination with rifampin and clofazimine
Children ≥10 years and Adolescents ≤14 years:
20 to 40 kg: Oral: 25 mg once daily for 12 months; use in combination with rifampin and clofazimine
>40 kg: Oral: 50 mg once daily for 12 months; use in combination with rifampin and clofazimine
Adolescents >14 years: Oral: 100 mg once daily for 12 months; use in combination with rifampin and clofazimine
Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD): Limited data available: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Oral: 0.5 to 2 mg/kg/day in 1 to 2 divided doses with or without prednisone (Ref); may increase if needed at weekly intervals until symptoms controlled; maximum reported daily dose: 4 mg/kg/day (Ref); usual adult dose: 25 to 150 mg/day (Ref).
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), alternative agent (patients unable to take trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole):
Prophylaxis (primary or secondary): Multiple regimens (daily or weekly dosing) and combinations presented
HIV-exposed/-infected: Oral:
Infants and Children: 2 mg/kg/dose once daily (maximum daily dose: 100 mg/day) or 4 mg/kg/dose once weekly (maximum weekly dose: 200 mg/week) (Ref)
Adolescents: 100 mg/day in 1 or 2 divided doses as monotherapy or 50 mg once daily in combination with weekly pyrimethamine and leucovorin or 200 mg once weekly in combination with weekly pyrimethamine and leucovorin; monotherapy should not be used in patients who are seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii (Ref)
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient (Ref): Oral:
Infants and Children: 2 mg/kg/dose once daily; maximum dose: 100 mg/dose
Adolescents: 100 mg/day in 1 or 2 divided doses
Treatment, mild to moderate disease: Limited data available: Infants, Children, and Adolescents (HIV-exposed/-infected): Oral: 2 mg/kg/dose once daily in combination with trimethoprim for 21 days; maximum dose: 100 mg/dose (Ref)
Toxoplasma gondii , primary prophylaxis, HIV-exposed/-infected patients, alternative agent (patients unable to tolerate trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole): Note: Multiple regimens (daily or weekly dosing), combinations, and dosing units (mg/kg, mg/m2) presented; use caution.
Infants and Children: Oral: 2 mg/kg/dose or 15 mg/m2/dose once daily in combination with pyrimethamine and leucovorin; maximum dose: 25 mg/dose (Ref)
Adolescents: Oral: 50 mg once daily in combination with weekly pyrimethamine and leucovorin or 200 mg once weekly in combination with weekly pyrimethamine and leucovorin (Ref)
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling; however, some clinicians have suggested that no adjustment is necessary (Ref).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
(For additional information see "Dapsone (systemic): Drug information")
Aphthous ulcers, severe (off-label use): Oral:
Initial: 25 mg daily for 3 days; increase dose in increments of 25 mg daily every 3 days up to 100 mg daily for 3 days, then increase by 25 mg daily every 7 days up to 150 mg daily. Administer in 2 divided doses (75 mg dose is administered in 3 divided doses).
Maintenance: 100 to 150 mg daily in 2 divided doses with or without concomitant colchicine (Ref).
Bullous pemphigoid (alternative agent) (off-label use): Oral: 1 to 1.5 mg/kg/day, with or without immunosuppressive therapy (Ref).
Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (off-label use): Oral: 50 mg once daily initially, with or without immunosuppressive therapy; range 25 to 200 mg daily (Ref).
Dermatitis herpetiformis (adjunctive agent):
Note: Management involves a combination of a strict lifelong gluten-free diet and drug therapy (Ref).
Oral: Initial: 25 to 50 mg daily; may increase as needed to 100 to 200 mg daily to achieve full control. Once rash is controlled, dose may be gradually tapered to a minimum maintenance dosage with eventual discontinuation based on clinical response (Ref).
Immune thrombocytopenia (alternative agent) (off-label use): Oral: 50 to 100 mg daily or 1 to 2 mg/kg/day; duration of therapy is ≥21 days (Ref).
Leprosy: Oral: 100 mg once daily as part of an appropriate combination regimen for 12 months for tuberculoid (paucibacillary) disease and 24 months for lepromatous (multibacillary) disease (Ref). Note: For resource-limited settings, the World Health Organization recommends 6 months for tuberculoid and 12 months for lepromatous (Ref).
Pemphigus vulgaris (adjunctive agent) (off-label use): Oral: 25 mg daily for 7 days, then increase dose in increments of 25 mg daily every 7 days up to 100 mg daily for 7 days (4 weeks total therapy) with concomitant prednisone. Administer in 2 divided doses (a 75 mg dose is administered in 3 divided doses) (Ref). Usual dose range: 50 to 200 mg daily (Ref). Note: If patient becomes lesion free, taper and discontinue gradually by decreasing dose 25 mg daily over 7 days. If no new lesions are seen, gradual taper is continued. If lesions recur, dose is increased by 25 mg daily at 7-day intervals until the patient develops no new lesions. Taper is usually ~4 weeks total (Ref).
Pneumocystis pneumonia in patients with HIV (alternative agent) (off-label use): Oral:
Prophylaxis (primary or secondary): 100 mg once daily or in 2 divided doses as monotherapy or 50 mg daily in combination with weekly pyrimethamine and leucovorin or 200 mg weekly in combination with weekly pyrimethamine and leucovorin. Continue until CD4 count >200 cells/mm3 for >3 months in response to antiretroviral therapy (ART); some experts discontinue prophylaxis in patients with CD4 counts between 100 and 200 cells/mm3 who are receiving ART and have had an undetectable viral load for ≥3 to 6 months (Ref).
Treatment (mild to moderate disease): 100 mg once daily in combination with trimethoprim for 21 days (Ref).
Pyoderma gangrenosum (alternative agent) (off-label use): Oral: 50 to 200 mg daily (Ref).
Relapsing polychondritis (off-label use): Oral: 25 to 200 mg daily (Ref).
Toxoplasma gondii encephalitis in patients with HIV (alternative to preferred therapy) (off-label use): Primary prophylaxis: Oral: 50 mg daily, in combination with weekly pyrimethamine and leucovorin or 200 mg weekly in combination with weekly pyrimethamine and leucovorin. Continue until CD4 count >200 cells/mm3 for >3 months in response to ART; some experts discontinue prophylaxis in patients with CD4 counts between 100 and 200 cells/mm3 who are receiving ART and have had an undetectable viral load for ≥3 to 6 months (Ref).
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
The renal dosing recommendations are based upon the best available evidence and clinical expertise. Senior Editorial Team: Bruce Mueller, PharmD, FCCP, FASN, FNKF; Jason A. Roberts, PhD, BPharm (Hons), B App Sc, FSHP, FISAC; Michael Heung, MD, MS.
Altered kidney function:
eGFR ≥30 mL/minute/1.73 m2: No dosage adjustment necessary (Ref).
eGFR <30 mL/minute/1.73 m2: No dosage adjustment likely necessary based on pharmacokinetic properties (only 5% to 15% excreted in urine unchanged). However, use with caution and at the lower end of the indication-specific recommended dosing range when possible, with close monitoring of blood counts, as there are reports of dose-dependent hematologic toxicities (eg, methemoglobinemia, hemolysis) in patients with kidney impairment (Ref).
Hemodialysis, intermittent (thrice weekly): Unlikely to be significantly dialyzed (moderate Vd, moderate to high protein binding): Dose as for eGFR <30 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (Ref).
Peritoneal dialysis: Unlikely to be significantly dialyzed (moderate Vd, moderate to high protein binding): Dose as for eGFR <30 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (Ref).
CRRT: No dosage adjustment necessary (Ref).
PIRRT (eg, sustained, low-efficiency diafiltration): No dosage adjustment necessary (Ref).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling; use with caution (Ref).
Dapsone is associated with methemoglobinemia, hemolytic anemia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis. There are rare reports of aplastic anemia (Ref) and pancytopenia (Ref).
Methemoglobinemia: Symptoms may be absent or mild and nonspecific (eg, malaise (Ref), headache, fatigue, tachycardia, (Ref) but can be severe with dyspnea, cyanosis, and hypoxia (Ref), and it has been fatal (Ref). Mean peak methemoglobin of 7.6% (range: 2.1% to 34.1%) of hemoglobin has been described (Ref). A "saturation gap" between SpO2A and SaO2, chocolate-brown arterial blood, and cyanosis presenting as pasty brown mucous membranes are considered characteristic (Ref). Dapsone discontinuation with supplemental oxygen as indicated generally leads to resolution within 2 weeks (Ref); however, cases have taken longer to resolve (Ref). Reported incidences vary depending on case definitions: Cyanosis or hypoxia (O2 saturation ≤95%) with methemoglobin level ≥3% occurred in 20% of those taking dapsone in one study (Ref). Methemoglobin levels >1.5% occurred 46% in another study (Ref).
Hemolytic anemia: Dapsone-induced hemolytic anemia may be found on routine monitoring or after presentation with mild symptoms (eg, fatigue, exertional dyspnea) in those without G6PD deficiency (Ref). Patients with G6PD deficiency present with more severe symptoms (eg, tachycardia, tachypnea, mild hypoxia in room air) (Ref). Decreased hemoglobin has been reported in patients without G6PD deficiency (Ref); however, patients with G6PD deficiency experience more significant reductions (Ref)). Hemolytic anemia has been fatal in resource limited settings despite transfusion (Ref). Recovery usually occurs 8 to 10 days after discontinuation but has taken up to ~3 months (Ref). Up to 10% may require packed red cells (Ref).
Neutropenia: Neutropenia (Ref) can be severe (Ref) and has been fatal (Ref). ANC generally recovers ≤1 month after discontinuation (Ref).
Agranulocytosis: Approximately 90% of cases present with fever and other symptoms of infection while the remainder are detected on routine CBC monitoring (Ref). Absolute neutrophil counts as low as 0 cells/mm3 have been reported (Ref) and has been fatal (Ref). Neutrophils normalize a median of 10 days after discontinuation (Ref).
Mechanism:
Methemoglobinemia: Dose-related; hydroxylamine metabolite oxidizes ferrous iron (Fe2+) in heme to ferric iron (Fe3+), converting hemoglobin to methemoglobin which has reduced oxygen carrying capacity. NADH dependent cytochrome b5 reductase, NADPH-dependent methemoglobin reductase, ascorbic acid, and glutathione mediated removal of methemoglobin are overwhelmed and the proportion of methemoglobin to hemoglobin is increased (Ref).
Hemolytic anemia: Dose-related; hydroxylamine metabolite and nitroso-dapsone, formed during conversion of hemoglobin to methemoglobin, generate reactive oxygen radicals. In G6PD deficiency, these accumulate and directly damage red blood cell membranes leading to hemolysis. The hydroxylamine metabolite can directly affect phosphorylation of membrane proteins, leading to hemolysis in those without G6PD deficiency (Ref).
Neutropenia and Agranulocytosis: Non–dose-related; hydroxylamine is toxic to bone marrow myeloid cells (Ref)
Onset:
Methemoglobinemia: Varied; ranges from 1 day (Ref) to 5 months (Ref) or longer (Ref).
Hemolytic anemia: Varied; presenting within 24 to 72 hours then worsening until days 7 to 8 in individuals with G6PD deficiency (Ref). May present later in individuals without G6PD deficiency with reports ranging from 11 to 71 days (Ref).
Neutropenia: Varied; typical time to onset ≤7 days (Ref).
Agranulocytosis: Varied; median duration of dapsone treatment before symptom development was 56 days (range: 6 to 133 days) (Ref).
Risk factors:
Methemoglobinemia:
• More common with higher doses (eg, overdose) (Ref), but has been reported with treatment and prophylactic doses (Ref)
• Kidney impairment (Ref)
• Mixed evidence for low cytochrome b5 reductase (Cb5R) levels or heterozygosity for Cb5R deficiency (Ref)
• G6PD deficiency (Ref)
• Concurrent methemoglobinemia-inducing agents (Ref)
• For symptoms:
- Anemia (Ref)
- Blood loss (Ref)
- Coronary artery disease (Ref)
- Lung disease or pneumonia (Ref)
- Sepsis (Ref)
- Abnormal hemoglobin species (eg, carboxyhemoglobin, sulfhemoglobin, or sickle hemoglobin) (Ref)
Hemolytic anemia:
• Dose (Ref)
• G6PD deficiency (Ref)
• Low ideal body weight (Ref)
• Kidney impairment (Ref)
• Compromised bone marrow (eg, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) (Ref)
• Hemoglobin H disease (Ref)
Neutropenia:
• Older age (Ref)
• Underlying disease (Ref)
• Females (Ref)
• Concurrent medications (Ref)
Agranulocytosis:
• Older age (>60 years) (Ref)
• Non-Caucasian descent (Ref)
• Preexisting severe inflammatory conditions (eg, dermatitis herpetiformis) (Ref)
• N-acetyltransferase deficiency (Ref)
Hepatic injury ranges from mild increased serum transaminases to fulminant hepatic failure (Ref). Hyperbilirubinemia may occur more frequently in G6PD deficient patients (Ref). Hepatotoxicity is most often associated with signs of hypersensitivity, as part of drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) (Ref). Liver injury is typically cholestatic or mixed (Ref). Most cases resolve within 2 to 8 weeks of discontinuing dapsone; although, severe cholestatic injury may be prolonged (Ref).
Mechanism: Unknown: Non–dose-related; possibly hypersensitivity mechanism, through metabolism to a reactive, toxic metabolite (Ref).
Onset: Varied; duration of therapy prior to onset of hepatotoxicity is typically within a few days to weeks; although, can be delayed up to 5 months (Ref). A shorter onset occurs upon rechallenge (Ref).
Risk factors:
• HLA-B*13:01 has been associated with hepatotoxicity (Ref)
Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS; previously known as dapsone or sulfone syndrome) (Ref) has been reported. In most cases, predominant hepatotoxicity (Ref) is noted, although pancreatitis (Ref), acute kidney injury (Ref), or eosinophilic pneumonitis (Ref) may also occur. Fever, along with other cutaneous reactions may be reported, including fixed drug eruption, photosensitivity, maculopapular rash, and erythematous plaques (Ref). Additional serious cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) include Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) (Ref) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) (Ref). Following discontinuation of dapsone, resolution occurs within days to several months (mean: 27 days); although, may result in fatality in 10% of cases (Ref). In some patients, hypothyroidism and/or diabetes mellitus may develop months after discontinuation (Ref).
Mechanism: Delayed hypersensitivity reactions: Non–dose-related, immunologic. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions are T-cell mediated (Ref).
Onset: Delayed hypersensitivity reactions: Varied. Serious cutaneous adverse reactions, usually occur 1 to 8 weeks after initiation (Ref). A mean of a ~32 days has been reported with dapsone but may also occur up to 6 months after initiation (Ref).
Risk factors:
• HLA-B*13:01 has been associated with SCARs (Ref).
• Cross-reactivity may occur in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to sulfonamide antibiotics (eg, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) (Ref), although dapsone may be considered as an option in patients with mild reactions to sulfonamide antibiotics (Ref).
• Younger patients may be at an increased risk for development of DRESS; older patients have decreased production of toxic metabolites due to decreased enzyme activity associated with aging (Ref).
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
Frequency not defined:
Cardiovascular: Tachycardia
Endocrine & metabolic: Albuminuria, hypoalbuminemia (without proteinuria)
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
Genitourinary: Male infertility
Hematologic & oncologic: Reticulocytosis
Infection: Infectious mononucleosis (infectious mononucleosis-like syndrome)
Nervous system: Headache, insomnia, psychomotor impairment, psychosis, vertigo
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Lupus-like syndrome
Ophthalmic: Blurred vision
Otic: Tinnitus
Renal: Nephrotic syndrome, renal papillary necrosis
Postmarketing:
Dermatologic: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (Vas 2013), fixed drug eruption (Sauvetre 2015), maculopapular rash (Kosseifi 2006), phototoxicity (Kar 2008), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (Tempark 2017), toxic epidermal necrolysis (Tempark 2017)
Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis (Das 2014)
Hematologic & oncologic: Agranulocytosis (St Clair 2021), aplastic anemia (Meyerson 1994), decreased hemoglobin (Khatri 2020, Murphy 2016), hemolysis (Khatri 2020, Murphy 2016), hemolytic anemia (Khatri 2020, Murphy 2016), methemoglobinemia (Shenouda 2022), neutropenia (Hsieh 2020), pancytopenia (Abdur Raheem 2022)
Hepatic: Cholestatic jaundice, hepatic failure (Devarbhavi 2018), hepatitis (Devarbhavi 2018), hyperbilirubinemia (Pamba 2012), increased serum transaminases (Abidi 2006)
Hypersensitivity: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (Kang 2021)
Nervous system: Peripheral neuropathy (Waldinger 1984)
Renal: Acute kidney injury (Pai 2017)
Respiratory: Eosinophilic pneumonitis (Kinehara 2015)
Miscellaneous: Fever (Kosseifi 2006)
Hypersensitivity to dapsone or any component of the formulation.
Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in US labeling): Advanced amyloidosis of the kidneys.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Superinfection: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection, including C. difficile-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis; CDAD has been observed >2 months postantibiotic treatment.
Disease-related concerns:
• Anemia: Use with caution in patients with severe anemia; treat prior to therapy.
• Diabetes mellitus: Dapsone may artificially lower HbA1c by reducing erythrocyte survival time through hemolysis (Lai 2012).
• Leprosy: New or severe dermatological reactions require discontinuation of therapy; however, leprosy reactional states (eg, erythema nodosum leprosum) do not require discontinuation.
Special populations:
• G6PD deficiency: Use with caution in patients with G6PD deficiency; dose-related hemolysis and methemoglobinemia may occur.
• Hemoglobin M deficiency: Use with caution in patients with hemoglobin M deficiency; dose-related hemolysis may occur.
• Methemoglobin reductase deficiency: Use with caution in patients with methemoglobin reductase deficiency; dose-related hemolysis may occur.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral:
Generic: 25 mg, 100 mg
Yes
Tablets (Dapsone Oral)
25 mg (per each): $2.47 - $4.25
100 mg (per each): $3.02 - $4.17
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral:
Generic: 100 mg
A 2 mg/mL oral suspension may be made with tablets and a 1:1 mixture of Ora-Sweet® and Ora-Plus®. Crush eight 25 mg tablets in a mortar and reduce to a fine powder. Add small portions of vehicle and mix to a uniform paste; mix while adding the vehicle in incremental proportions to almost 100 mL; transfer to a calibrated bottle, rinse mortar with vehicle, and add quantity of vehicle sufficient to make 100 mL. Label "shake well". Stable for 90 days at room temperature or refrigerated.
Jacobus Pharmaceutical Company makes a 2 mg/mL proprietary liquid formulation available under an IND for the prophylaxis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia.
Oral: May administer with meals if GI upset occurs.
Oral: Administer with meals if GI upset occurs.
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 76°F). Protect from light.
Treatment of leprosy due to susceptible strains (FDA approved in pediatric patients [age not specified] and adults); treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis (FDA approved in pediatric patients [age not specified] and adults); has also been used for prophylaxis and treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP); prophylaxis against toxoplasmic encephalitis; treatment of linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD); and refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP)
Dapsone may be confused with Diprosone
Substrate of CYP2C19 (minor), CYP2C8 (minor), CYP2C9 (minor), CYP2E1 (minor), CYP3A4 (major); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program
Antimalarial Agents: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Dapsone (Systemic). Specifically, concomitant use of antimalarial agents with dapsone may increase the risk of hemolytic reactions. Dapsone (Systemic) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antimalarial Agents. Specifically, concomitant use of dapsone with antimalarial agents may increase the risk for hemolytic reactions. Management: Closely monitor patients for signs/symptoms of hemolytic reactions with concomitant use of dapsone and antimalarial agents, particularly in patients deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), methemoglobin reductase, or with hemoglobin M. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Atazanavir: Dapsone (Systemic) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Atazanavir. Specifically, the risk of hyperbilirubinemia may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bacillus clausii: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Bacillus clausii. Management: Bacillus clausii should be taken in between antibiotic doses during concomitant therapy. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
BCG (Intravesical): Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Risk X: Avoid combination
BCG Vaccine (Immunization): Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG Vaccine (Immunization). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cholera Vaccine: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Cholera Vaccine. Management: Avoid cholera vaccine in patients receiving systemic antibiotics, and within 14 days following the use of oral or parenteral antibiotics. Risk X: Avoid combination
CYP3A4 Inducers (Moderate): May decrease the serum concentration of Dapsone (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong): Dapsone (Systemic) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong). CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong) may decrease the serum concentration of Dapsone (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dapsone (Topical): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Methemoglobinemia Associated Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Fecal Microbiota (Live) (Oral): May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antibiotics. Risk X: Avoid combination
Fecal Microbiota (Live) (Rectal): Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Fecal Microbiota (Live) (Rectal). Risk X: Avoid combination
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (Anti-PD-1, -PD-L1, and -CTLA4 Therapies): Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (Anti-PD-1, -PD-L1, and -CTLA4 Therapies). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lactobacillus and Estriol: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus and Estriol. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Local Anesthetics: Methemoglobinemia Associated Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Local Anesthetics. Specifically, the risk for methemoglobinemia may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methotrexate: Dapsone (Systemic) may increase the serum concentration of Methotrexate. Management: Avoid coadministration of dapsone and methotrexate if possible. If coadministration is required, monitor closely for methotrexate toxicities (eg, hematological, gastrointestinal, nephrotoxicity toxicities). Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Mycophenolate: Antibiotics may decrease serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Mycophenolate. Specifically, concentrations of mycophenolic acid (MPA) may be reduced. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nitric Oxide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Methemoglobinemia Associated Agents. Combinations of these agents may increase the likelihood of significant methemoglobinemia. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Prilocaine: Methemoglobinemia Associated Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Prilocaine. Combinations of these agents may increase the likelihood of significant methemoglobinemia. Management: Monitor for signs of methemoglobinemia when prilocaine is used in combination with other agents associated with development of methemoglobinemia. Avoid use of these agents with prilocaine/lidocaine cream in infants less than 12 months of age. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Sodium Nitrite: Methemoglobinemia Associated Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Sodium Nitrite. Combinations of these agents may increase the likelihood of significant methemoglobinemia. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Sodium Picosulfate: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sodium Picosulfate. Management: Consider using an alternative product for bowel cleansing prior to a colonoscopy in patients who have recently used or are concurrently using an antibiotic. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Trimethoprim: May increase the serum concentration of Dapsone (Systemic). Dapsone (Systemic) may increase the serum concentration of Trimethoprim. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Typhoid Vaccine: Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Typhoid Vaccine. Only the live attenuated Ty21a strain is affected. Management: Avoid use of live attenuated typhoid vaccine (Ty21a) in patients being treated with systemic antibacterial agents. Postpone vaccination until 3 days after cessation of antibiotics and avoid starting antibiotics within 3 days of last vaccine dose. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
In uncontrolled studies and published surveys, dapsone did not affect female reproduction. Male infertility is noted as an adverse event in the dapsone product labeling.
Dapsone crosses the placenta (Brabin 2004).
Per the manufacturer, dapsone has not shown an increased risk of congenital anomalies when given during all trimesters of pregnancy. Dapsone may displace bound bilirubin in the neonate, increasing the risk of kernicterus. In addition, there are case reports of hemolytic anemia in fetus/infant following maternal treatment. Neonatal care providers should be informed if dapsone is used near delivery (HHS [OI adult 2019]).
Dapsone may be used in pregnant women requiring maintenance therapy of either leprosy or dermatitis herpetiformis. Dapsone may be used as an alternative agent for management of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) or Toxoplasma gondii encephalitis in pregnant, patients living with HIV (HHS [OI Adult 2019]).
CBC with differential (weekly for the first month, monthly for 6 months, then semiannually), reticulocyte count, and liver function tests; check G-6-PD levels prior to initiation of dapsone; monitor for signs of jaundice, hemolysis, or methemoglobinemia.
Competitive antagonist of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and prevents normal bacterial utilization of PABA for the synthesis of folic acid
Absorption: Rapid and almost complete.
Protein binding: Dapsone: 70% to 90%; Metabolite: ~99% (Zuidema 1986).
Distribution: Vd: 1.5 L/kg (Zuidema 1986).
Metabolism: Hepatic (acetylation and hydroxylation); forms multiple metabolites (Zuidema 1986).
Half-life elimination: Children: 15.1 hours (Mirochnick 1993); Adults: 28 hours (range: 10 to 50 hours).
Time to peak: 4 to 8 hours.
Excretion: Urine (~85%, mainly as metabolites [5 to 15% unchanged (Zuidema 1986)]).
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