Practical information on using dapsone

Dapsone is a sulfone antibiotic closely resembling sulfonamide antibiotics. It is used for treatment and prevention of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), prevention of toxoplasmosis and treatment of leprosy.

Exclude glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency before starting dapsone treatment, because patients who are deficient are at risk of developing severe haemolysis. Peripheral neuropathy can occur, particularly with daily doses exceeding 200 mg.

For discussion of cross-reactivity between dapsone and sulfonamide antibiotics, see Cross-reactivity between sulfonamides.