Dapsone

Also known as: Diaphenylsulfone, Disulone

Drug #213

Dapsone is an antibacterial agent. It acts as a bacteriostatic for a broad spectrum of gram negative and gram positive organisms. Dapsone is effective in treating leprosy and other skin conditions, malaria, arthritis, other inflammatory conditions and also in pneumocystis pneumonia. Dapsone is administered orally.

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Primary Characteristics

Dapsone is also known as Diaphenylsulfone, Disulone, Biogen.

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Sulfonylbenzeamine.

It belongs to Dihyropteroate synthetase inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action. It is also classified under Leprostatics .

Molecular Weight: 248.3 · pK_a: 1.3-2.5 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 7000 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 30 · Non-proprietary name: Dapsone.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Dapsone has an oral bioavailability is 94.5% (±4.5%).

Distribution: Dapsone has a volume of distribution is 1(0.9-1.1)l/kg. plasma protein binding is ~50%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 12-48 hr, renal excretion is entire.

Indications

Dapsone is primarily indicated in conditions like Dermatitis herpetiformis, Leprosy, Malaria prophylaxis, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prophylaxis.

Dapsone is also indicated for secondary conditions like Actinomycotic mycetoma, Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Idiopathic skin conditions, Metastatic germ cell cancer, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, Relapsing polychondritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Squamous cell carcinoma, Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Contraindications

Dapsone is contraindicated in conditions like Anaemia, G6pd deficiency, Porphyria, Sulfone allergy.

Dosage

Dapsone's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
175 mg	175 mg	Every 24h	PO
5 %	5 %	—	Topical	Children age 10 to 14 years. (Acne)
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
50 mg/kg	50 mg/kg	Every 24h	Oral
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Not recommended in this age group

Drug Interactions

Unknown8 interactions

2 interactions

Major2 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Dapsone in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Methemoglobinemia , Sulfhemoglobinemia, Peripheral neuropathy , Psychosis , Depression , Hepatitis , Nephrotic syndrome , Anaemia .

Dapsone produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Agranulocytosis, Severe hemolytic anemia , Dapsone syndrome. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Dapsone are Nausea, Vomiting, Jaundice , Abdominal pain, Methemoglobinemia, Severe hemolytic anemia, Coma.

Dapsone is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Anorexia , Headache, Nausea, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

Dapsone should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Dapsone is not recommended during lactation. It should be used with caution in patients with any pre-existing blood disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency or allergies.

Available Brands

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Single Ingredient

Tabs

100 mg 25 mg

Storage Conditions

Dapsone should be stored Tab.

Drug Classification

1.6.2.3 — Antileprosy drugs

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Dapsone in Pakistan:

Biogen