What Is Dapsone?
Dapsone (Avlosulfon®) is used to prevent and treat Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia – a condition that can be fatal to immunosuppressed patients, such as children who have had a liver transplant. It can also be used to treat leprosy, malaria, arthritis, and other skin conditions.
Dapsone Dosage
Dapsone is taken by mouth and is available in 25- and 100-mg tablets.
How to Properly Take Dapsone
Your child should take dapsone daily as directed, with or without food. It is important for your child to continue this medication as long he or she is taking immunosuppressants.
Missed Doses
If your child misses a dose of dapsone, he or she should take it as soon as one of you remembers. If you remember within two hours of the time for your child’s next dose, however, skip the missed dose and resume the usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Dapsone Side Effects
Common side effects of dapsone include:
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach upset (Take dapsone with food or milk if this occurs.)
Rare side effects of avlosulfon include:
- Tingling of hands and feet
- Dizziness
- Lack of coordination
- Muscle weakness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Rash
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Rapid heartbeat
- Anemia
Notify your coordinator if your child experiences any of these effects.
Dapsone Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription or over-the-counter medication your child is taking, so you can be warned of interactions and prevent them.
Dapsone Storage
Store dapsone at room temperature, away from heat and light.
Precautions for Children and Adolescents
Your child should not stop taking this medication unless advised by the transplant service. If your child has a known allergy to sulfa medications, such as Bactrim, he or she may be given this drug. A small number of patients who are allergic to sulfa drugs are also allergic to dapsone. Notify your transplant coordinator if your child develops a rash while taking dapsone.
This medication may cause photosensitivity. Make sure your child wears sunscreen and protective clothing when playing outdoors.
Dapsone Availability
Not all pharmacies stock dapsone. Call your pharmacist at least five working days before you need to fill a dapsone prescription, to make sure the medication will be available.
