Dapsone Tablets

Dapsone is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called sulfone antibiotics. It is available in oral and topical forms, with 100 mg tablets being a common oral dose.

Dapsone is primarily used in the treatment of:

• Leprosy (Hansen's disease): Dapsone is a key component of multi-drug regimens for treating all forms of leprosy. It works by stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause the disease.

   
   
   

   

• Dermatitis herpetiformis: This is a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy bumps and blisters, often associated with a sensitivity to gluten.

   

   

• Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP): Dapsone, often in combination with other medications like trimethoprim, is used for both the treatment and prevention of this type of pneumonia, particularly in immunocompromised patients (e.g., those with HIV/AIDS).

   

   

• Toxoplasmosis: It can also be used for prophylaxis against toxoplasmosis in some patients.

   

   

Additionally, dapsone has several off-label uses for a variety of dermatological and other conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Dapsone's mechanism of action is related to its ability to inhibit the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria. It competitively inhibits an enzyme called dihydropteroate synthase, which is necessary for the bacteria to produce folic acid, a vital compound for their growth. While its exact mechanism for treating skin conditions is not fully understood, it is believed to affect the function and migration of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the skin.

• Dosage: The dosage of dapsone can vary depending on the condition being treated and is determined by a healthcare provider. For conditions like leprosy, a common adult dose is 100 mg once a day, often in combination with other anti-leprosy drugs.