Dapsone
Dapsone is an antibiotic which also has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat a variety of skin conditions.
How should I take/use this medication?
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- This medication should be taken with or after food.
- It is important to take dapsone regularly to get the most benefit.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or sulfonamides.
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- You have heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease; blood disorders; glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
Certain side effects of this medication are not unusual and may even disappear during treatment. If any of the following effects persist or are severe, consult your doctor.
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
The most common main side effect of this medication is haemolytic anemia. Your doctor will do regular monitoring of your blood counts.
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes on your body
- Rashes (developing during the first two to eight weeks after starting the medication) with fever
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
The occurrence of some serious side-effects can range from common to rare. Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following:
- Tingling of the hands or feet
- Dizziness
- Incoordination
- Muscle weakness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Fever, sore throat, mouth sores
- Pale skin
- Unusual tiredness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Bluish skin color
- Dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin
Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications such as pyrimethamine, supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
