Dapsone is an antibacterial medicine that stops the growth of bacteria by inhibiting the production of folic acid. It may be used for the treatment of:

• Leprosy
• Skin problems
• Prophylaxis of malaria along with pyrimethamine
• Prophylaxis of pneumonia in immune-compromised patients

Do not take Dapsone if you: 

• Have allergy to dapsone
• Suffer from severe anaemia
• Have porphyria
• Suffer from severe glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

Things to Tell Your Doctor. If you:

• Suffer from other blood disorders, heart or lung disease.
• Take probenecid, rifampicin or trimethoprim
• Have intolerance to sugars

What to do if you missed a dose ? 

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Most common side effects ?

• Dapsone syndrome may occur after 3-6 weeks of treatment. Symptoms include rash, fever, changes in blood cells.
• Anaemia
• Rash can be raised, discoloured, tender, destructive or itchy, sensitivity to light
• Rarely skin conditions associated with fever, malaise, lung or kidney damage.
• Headache, difficulty sleeping, nerve damage causing tingling in arms or legs and some weakness
• Loss of appetite, feeling sick, inflammation of the liver
• Fast heart beat, mental disturbances, changes in liver function tests, jaundice.