Generic name: dapsone topical [ DAP-sone-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand name: Aczone
Dosage form: topical gel (5%; 7.5%)
Drug class: Topical acne agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 2, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is dapsone topical?

Dapsone is an anti-infective medication.

Dapsone topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne.

Dapsone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dapsone topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dapsone topical may cause methemoglobinemia (met-HEEM-oh glo-bin-EE-mee-a), a serious condition in which the amount of oxygen in your blood stream becomes dangerously low. Stop using dapsone topical and call your doctor at once if you notice a blue or gray appearance of your lips, fingernails, or the inside of your mouth.

Dapsone topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe sore throat;

• unusual thoughts or behavior;

• a red blood cell disorder--back pain, pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

• pancreas problems--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate; or

• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects of dapsone topical may include:

• dry or peeling skin;

• oily skin; or

• redness where the medicine was applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use dapsone topical if you are allergic to it.

To make sure dapsone topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;

• a blood disorder called methemoglobinemia (abnormal red blood cells in your blood); or

• if you have ever had methemoglobinemia in the past.

It is not known whether dapsone topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Dapsone topical can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Dapsone topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

How should I use dapsone topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take by mouth. Dapsone topical is for use only on the skin. If this medicine gets in your eyes, mouth, or vagina, rinse with water.

Wash the skin before you apply dapsone. Gently pat dry with a clean towel. Also wash your hands after applying this medicine.

Use only a pea-sized amount of dapsone each time you apply this medicine.

Using benzoyl peroxide acne medication at the same time as dapsone topical may cause temporary changes in the color of your skin or facial hair.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 12 weeks of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.

Dapsone topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

Topical gel 5%: Apply approximately a pea-sized amount in a thin layer to the acne affected areas twice a day.
Topical gel 7.5%: Apply approximately a pea-sized amount in a thin layer to the entire face (and other affected areas) once a day.

Use: For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:

12 years or older:
-Topical gel 5%: Apply approximately a pea-sized amount in a thin layer to the acne affected areas twice a day.
-Topical gel 7.5%: Apply approximately a pea-sized amount in a thin layer to the entire face (and other affected areas) once a day.

Use: For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Related/similar drugs

doxycycline, clindamycin topical, erythromycin topical, tetracycline, Tazorac

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of dapsone topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using dapsone topical?

Rinse with water if dapsone topical gets in your eyes.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with dapsone topical unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect dapsone topical?

Dapsone topical can cause a serious condition called methemoglobinemia, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time, including sulfa drugs, acetaminophen (Tylenol), nitroglycerin or other nitrite heart medications, seizure medicine, and several other drugs. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with dapsone topical.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with dapsone topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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