Dapsone (DDS)

Dapsone is an antibacterial most commonly used in combination with rifampicin and clofazimine as multidrug therapy (MDT) for the treatment of Mycobacterium leprae infections (leprosy). It is also second-line treatment for prophylaxis (prevention) against Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii (formerly P. carinii) in HIV patients in whom CD4 counts are below 200/mm3. Dapsone is an odorless white to creamy-white crystalline powder with a slightly bitter taste, used in combination with pyrimethamine in the treatment of malaria. Dapsone is commercially available in both topical and oral formulations. Topical dapsone is available in a 5% gel formulation that is sold under the brand name Aczone and is produced by Allergan. Oral dapsone is also available but is less commonly used than other sulfonamide antibiotics, many of which have a lower incidence of adverse effects.