Dapsone (On the skin)
DAP-sone
Treats acne.
Drug classes
Antiacne (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Dapsone topical is used to treat acne. It works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and by keeping the skin pores clean .
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Gel/Jelly
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
Before you apply the medicine, gently wash the skin areas to be treated and pat dry.
Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how dapsone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Acetaminophen, benzocaine, chloroquine, nitrofurantoin, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primaquine, quinine, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole An acne medicine that contains benzoyl peroxideWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dapsone.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
Talk to your doctor if you do not see some improvement within 12 weeks after you start this medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blue lips, fingernails, or mouth, unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
Trouble breathing, dark urine, fever, back pain, tiredness, yellow skin or eyes
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dry, oily, or red skin where the medicine is applied
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Aczone
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
