Acnesone

Dapsone combines anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and it's likely this dual action that gives it a role in treating acne. On the anti-inflammatory side, it inhibits the neutrophil enzyme myeloperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase, curbs the production of hypochlorous acid, mops up reactive oxygen species, dampens neutrophil activity, and blocks the signaling triggered by chemoattractants. Its antimicrobial action works much like that of sulfones and sulfonamides: it inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate synthase, an enzyme in the folic acid synthesis pathway, making it effective against organisms that must produce their own folic acid to survive. Laboratory (in vitro) testing has also shown dapsone to have some activity against Propionibacterium species, including Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes).

Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Dapsone has been shown to have an embryocidal effect in rats and rabbits, and these effects were probably secondary to maternal toxicity. Dapsone Gel should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Although systemic absorption of dapsone after topical application of Dapsone Gel is minimal compared with oral dapsone, dapsone is known to pass into human milk. Because oral dapsone can cause adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision has to be made whether to stop nursing or to stop Dapsone Gel, taking into account how important the drug is to the mother.

Store Dapsone at or below 30°C. Keep it away from light and from damp places. Keep it out of reach of children.