Are there any side effects associated with taking Dapsone?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been put on tablet Dapsone 100 mg daily for dermatitis herpetiformis and granulomatous rosacea. It has only been a week, and the medications are working, and I am so happy.

However, after reading about Dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome, I am very concerned. Other doctors have told me not to be concerned because it is extremely rare. Is that correct? Can antihistamines help me avoid it? I would hate for my miracle drug to turn into a nightmare. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Dapsone (antibiotic) works well in Dermatitis herpetiformis. It is the drug of choice for this condition. It usually starts working within 48 hours, so the results are excellent and almost miraculous, as you mentioned in your experience.

In practice, Dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (a potentially fatal reaction to the antibiotic dapsone) is quite rare. Dapsone is one of the drugs used for leprosy too, and we treat many leprosy patients without this syndrome. The incidence of it is 0.5 percent. So, there is no point worrying about a condition so rare.

But there is no harm in being vigilant, and aware of its possible side effects. This syndrome is a form of delayed type of hypersensitivity reaction, and usually, the time between the start of the drug and the onset of this syndrome is four to six weeks. It is characterized by a triad of fever, skin rash, and lymphadenopathy (a condition where lymph nodes are swollen or abnormal in size or consistency).

And, no, it cannot be prevented by any drug if one has to develop it. If a person is already on antihistamines or steroids, it can mask the symptoms like rash and itching but cannot prevent the condition. But, no need to worry a lot about it. You can visit your physician for any symptoms like fever or skin rash. But that is extremely unlikely.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.