Dapsone topical

Dapsone is a medication that fights infections.

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

Dapsone topical may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are taking.

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

To ensure dapsone topical is safe for you, inform 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.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty 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 where the amount of oxygen in your blood becomes dangerously low. Stop using dapsone topical and call your doctor right away if you see a blue or gray color in your lips, fingernails, or the inside of your mouth.

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

• severe sore throat;
• unusual thoughts or behavior;
• a red blood cell disorder--back pain, pale or yellow skin, dark urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
• pancreas problems--severe pain in your upper stomach that spreads 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 on 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 can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

5% Topical Gel: Apply approximately a pea-sized amount in a thin layer to the acne affected areas twice a day.7.5% 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:

9 years and older:7.5% Topical Gel: Apply approximately a pea-sized amount in a thin layer to the entire face (and other affected areas) once a day.12 years and older:5% Topical Gel: Apply approximately a pea-sized amount in a thin layer to the acne affected areas twice a day.Use: For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

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

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.

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.

Dapsone topical can lead to a serious condition called methemoglobinemia, especially if you take certain medicines at the same time, such as sulfa drugs, acetaminophen (Tylenol), nitroglycerin or other nitrite heart medications, seizure medicine, and several other drugs. Inform your doctor about all medicines you are using, as well as any that you start or stop while using 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 included in this medication guide.