DAPSONE

Drug Uses
Dapsone is used for treatment of leprosy. It may be used in combination with other medications. It is also used to treat dermatitis herpetiformis (extremely itchy groups of skin lesions, usually occurring on the elbows, knees, and scalp). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken
Use Dapsone as directed by your doctor. Take Dapsone on an empty stomach. If stomach upset occurs, you may take it with food to reduce stomach irritation. If you also take didanosine, do not take it within 2 hours before or after taking Dapsone. To clear up your infection completely, take Dapsone for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days. Dapsone works best if it is taken at the same time each day.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Dapsone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Dapsone, if you have AIDS, liver problems, anemia, heart problems, kidney problems, low levels of an enzyme called glucose–6–phosphate dehydrogenase or methemoglobin reductase, high blood levels of ketones, hemoglobin M, or urination problems, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Dapsone while you are pregnant. Dapsone is found in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Dapsone. Some medicines may interact with Dapsone. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Dapsone may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Dapsone. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged time. Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. Dapsone only works against bacteria. It does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold). Long–term or repeated use of Dapsone may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this. Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Dapsone. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. Use Dapsone with extreme caution in newborns. Safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Blurred vision, feeling of a whirling motion, headache, nausea, ringing in the ears, sleeplessness, vomiting. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bizarre behavior, bloody stools, changes in skin color, dark urine or pale stools, fever, giant hives, infection (fever, chills), loss of appetite, muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, or burning of your arms, hands, legs, or feet, personality changes, severe diarrhea, severe rash, sore throat, stomach pains/cramps, unusual fatigue, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Storage
Store Dapsone at 68 – 77 °F (20 – 25 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Dapsone out of the reach of children.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of Dapsone overdose are- bluish discoloration of skin, easy excitability, nausea, seizures, vomiting.

More Information
Dapsone may cause blurred vision. Use Dapsone with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Dapsone should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.