Health Library

Dapsone (On the skin)

Dapsone (DAP-sone)

Treats acne.

Brand Name(s):

Aczone

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Gel/Jelly

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• Before you apply the medicine, gently wash the skin areas to be treated and pat dry.
• Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how dapsone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Acetaminophen, benzocaine, chloroquine, nitrofurantoin, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primaquine, quinine, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
  • An acne medicine that contains benzoyl peroxide

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
• Talk to your doctor if you do not see some improvement within 12 weeks after you start this medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blue lips, fingernails, or mouth, unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
• Trouble breathing, dark urine, fever, back pain, tiredness, yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry, oily, or red skin where the medicine is applied

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024