MedicinePOMEssential

Dapsone

A medicine for leprosy and the skin condition dermatitis herpetiformis.

Clinical information

Common uses

dermatitis herpetiformis
leprosy (all forms except dapsone-resistant)

Common side effects

dose-related red blood cell breakdown (haemolysis)
rise in methaemoglobin
nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
headache

Cautions

deaths from severe blood disorders — regular blood counts needed
report sore throat, fever, pallor or jaundice at once
serious skin reactions — stop treatment if they occur
treat severe anaemia before starting

Interactions

rifampicin (lowers dapsone levels 7-10-fold)
pyrimethamine and other folic acid antagonists (blood toxicity)
trimethoprim (each raises the other's levels)

Pregnancy: only if clearly needed — surveys show no increased abnormalities

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, dapsone tablet label, setid 839d7440-ba0e-4c56-b648-d374b155cf03 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations3

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Dapsone	Tablet	100 mg	—	POM
Dapsone	Tablet	50 mg	—	POM
Dapsone	Tablet	25 mg	—	POM