Dapsone Use in Dermatology

• Published in: American journal of clinical dermatology Vol. 25; no. 5; pp. 811 - 822
• Main Authors: Lovell, Katie K., Momin, Rushan I., Sangha, Harneet Singh, Feldman, Steven R., Pichardo, Rita O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.09.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: 20th century; Anemia; Antimicrobial agents; Case reports; Contraindications; Dermatitis; Dermatology; Drug dosages; Erythema; Leprosy; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neutrophils; Pharmacodynamics; Pharmacokinetics; Pharmacology/Toxicology; Pharmacotherapy; Pregnancy; Review; Review Article; Skin diseases; Tumor necrosis factor-TNF; United States > US
• ISSN: 1175-0561; 1179-1888; 1179-1888
• DOI: 10.1007/s40257-024-00879-8

Dapsone, initially synthesized for textile dyeing, gained recognition in the 1930s for its antibacterial properties, leading to its utilization in dermatology for leprosy and dermatitis herpetiformis. Despite US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for these conditions, dapsone’s off-label uses have expanded, making it a valuable option in various dermatologic conditions. This review seeks to highlight the common uses of dapsone in its FDA indications and off-label indications. Diseases in which dapsone is considered first-line therapy or adjunctive therapy are reviewed, with highlights from the resources included. An overview of dapsone’s pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, indications, dosages, and safety profile are also reviewed. Dapsone’s versatility and safety profile make it a cost-effective treatment option in dermatology, particularly for patients with limited access to specialized medications. Ongoing clinical trials are also described exploring dapsone’s efficacy in novel dermatologic uses. Dapsone has been a valuable adjunctive therapy across various dermatologic conditions for years and evidence for its use continues to expand.