Dapsone (Dapoxetine)

General information

Dapsone belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfones. It is used to treat leprosy and the skin condition known as dermatitis herpetiformis. It is also used with other drugs to treat Hansen's disease. It works by decreasing swelling (inflammation) and stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu).

Directions

Use Dapsone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take it by mouth on an empty stomach at the same time each day. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. To treat dermatitis herpetiformis, the usual starting dose is 50 mg once daily, that can be increased until an effective dose is reached. In some cases, may be required up to 300 mg daily. In children, the dosage is also based on age and weight. The medication needs to be taken for several months after the symptoms have disappeared to prevent the condition from returning.

Precautions

Before using Dapsone tell your doctor if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, kidney or liver problems, lung disease, AIDS, anemia, heart problems, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medication should not be used for children less than 1 month old. Dapsone may cause blurred vision. So it is recommended to avoid driving a car.

Contraindications

Do not use Dapsone if you are allergic to any ingredient in the drug or if you have advanced amyloidosis of the kidneys.

Possible side effect

Most common side effects may include: headache, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, sleeplessness. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, changes in weight, sore throat, fever, redness, dryness, loss of hair, itching, yellowing of the skin.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially: rifampin, quinine, protease inhibitors, probenecid, nicardipine, azole antifungals, clarithromycin, hydroxychloroquine, mefloquine, rifabutin, proguanil, didanosine. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are vomiting, nausea, seizures.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Store it in a tight container.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.