Dapsone is used for the prevention and treatment of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) and toxoplasmosis gondii.
Dapsone is used when a person has experienced adverse effects or toxicity to the drug of choice for PCP,
trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole TMP/SMX (Bactrim, Septra and others). Dapsone is a safe and effective alternative.
For the prevention of PCP, dapsone is taken on its own or in a variety of combinations with other drugs such as
trimethoprin (TMP), pyrimethamine (Daraprim) and leucovorin. For the treatment of PCP, dapsone is taken with TMP.
HOW should this drug be taken ?
For the prevention PCP infection, the usual dosage of dapsone is 100mg daily. However, the dosage of dapsone may
vary when used in combination with other drugs. Dapsone is taken for an indefinite period of time for PCP prevention.
For the treatment of PCP infection, dapsone (100mg daily) is taken in combination with trimethoprim (TMP) 15mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses for 21 days. Your dosage is______________.
What should you do if you FORGET a dose?
Dapsone remains in your system for a long period of time because it is eliminated slowly. A missed dose should
generally be taken as soon as it its remembered; however, if your regimen is on a daily basis it may not be advisable
take 2 tablets too close together because of the increased risk of nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain. Consult your pharmacist in order to decide what would be most appropriate for you.
What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause ? What should you do about them?
Dapsone can cause a variety of adverse effects most having to do with blood. The most serious of these are hemolytic
anemia (the breakdown of red blood cells) and methemiglobinemia (an increase in the form of hemoglobin that cannot
carry oxygen). These effects are related to the amount of dapsone taken and to persons who may already be experiencing low red blood cell levels. Regular lab tests are important.
Dapsone is however, generally well tolerated. Other adverse effects can include rash, nausea and vomiting but seldom
require the stopping of treatment. If these effects occur and are bothersome, please call the clinic or discuss them at your next visit.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP YOUR DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS, SO THAT YOUR PROGRESS CAN BE ASSESSED REGULARLY.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.
What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug ?
Dapsone has been used in pregnant women without evidence of any deformities or harmful effects on the fetus, however, as with all drugs, its benefits must be weighed against its potential risks.
Other medications may affect the way dapsone works and so increase the chance of side effects. Also, dapsone may
affect the way other medications work. Therefore, inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and
non-prescription medications you are taking, and do not start taking other medications without discussing this first.
How should this medication be STORED?
Dapsone should be stored at room temperature, safely away from children. Do not store dapsone in the bathroom or the refrigerator.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR PHARMACIST OR PHYSICIAN OR NURSE.
WRITE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS DOWN TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED.
A pharmacist at ___________________ is available to answer questions.
The telephone number is ___________. Please ask for ____________________.
