dapsone
Dapsone (Aczone) is a topical gel that's used for acne. This medication belongs to the drug class known as sulfones. It's available in two strengths: dapsone 7.5% (for people 9 years and older) and dapsone 5% (for people 12 years and older). Dapsone (Aczone) is applied onto the skin once or twice a day, depending on which strength you're using. The most common side effects include redness and dryness where you apply it. Dapsone (Aczone) is available as a generic and brand-name medication.
What is Dapsone (Aczone)?
What is Dapsone (Aczone) used for?
How Dapsone (Aczone) works
Dapsone (Aczone) is a sulfone antibiotic. It's unknown how it helps with acne, but it likely lowers the number of acne-causing bacteria and and lessens inflammation on the skin.
Drug facts
Side effects of Dapsone (Aczone)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Dapsone 5% gel (Aczone):
- Application site reaction (18%)
- Dryness at the application site (16%)
- Redness at the application site (13%)
- Oily or peeling skin (up to 13%)
- Nose and throat inflammation (5%)
Dapsone 7.5% gel (Aczone):
- Dryness at the application site (1%)
- Itching at the application site (1%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Burning at the application site
- Itching at the application site
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Sinus infection
- Cough
- Fever
- Influenza
- Sore throat
- Headache
Dapsone (Aczone) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Blood problems: fast heart beat; trouble breathing or shortness of breath; feeling dizzy or faint; feeling tired; feeling weak; pale, bluish, or grayish skin; dark brown urine
More on Dapsone (Aczone) side effects
The following Dapsone (Aczone) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Aplastic anemia—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, increased bleeding or bruising
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Dapsone (Aczone)
Pros
- Applied directly to the area of skin with acne
- Works well with minimal side effects
- Once- or twice-daily dosing (depending on the strength you have)
- Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
- Might take up to 3 months to see full effects
- Might not be right for you if you take certain medications, have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, or have certain blood conditions such as methemoglobinemia
- Unknown if it's safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding
Pharmacist tips for Dapsone (Aczone)
- Before you apply dapsone (Aczone), gently wash the affected areas and pat them dry.
- Only apply dapsone (Aczone) on your skin. Don't place the gel in your mouth, eyes, or genitals (e.g., vagina) to avoid side effects.
- You might notice particles (solid pieces) in the gel or feel grittiness on your skin after you apply dapsone (Aczone). This is normal. Try to rub the medication in as best as you can.
- Wash your hands each time after you apply dapsone (Aczone). This helps prevent getting medication into your eyes or onto other areas of your body.
- Talk to your primary care provider or dermatologist if you don't notice an improvement in your acne within 3 months of using dapsone (Aczone). They can discuss alternative treatment options.
- Using other acne medications, like benzoyl peroxide, after you've applied dapsone (Aczone) might cause your skin or facial hair to turn a yellow or orange color. This is temporary.
- Store dapsone (Aczone) at room temperature. Don't let the gel freeze or keep it in the freezer because this could damage the medication.
Common questions about Dapsone (Aczone)
No. Dapsone (Aczone) isn't a steroid. It's a type of antibiotic. This medication kills bacteria that commonly cause acne and lessens inflammation on the skin.
Dapsone (Aczone) is a sulfone. Although it's related to sulfa drugs, the chemical structure of dapsone (Aczone) is different from other sulfa drugs. There isn't enough information to know whether you can have an allergic reaction from dapsone (Aczone) if you're allergic to sulfa drugs. Make sure to tell your primary care provider or dermatologist about all of your allergies, especially allergies to sulfa medications.
No. Dapsone (Aczone) is a sulfone antibiotic, and it works differently than retinoid medications for treating acne. Dapsone (Aczone) is thought to work by killing acne-causing bacteria and lessening inflammation on the skin. On the other hand, retinoids work by replacing old skin cells with new skin cells and cleaning out clogged pores in your skin.
First, gently wash and dry the areas of your skin where you'll apply dapsone (Aczone). After that, apply a pea-sized amount of dapsone (Aczone) and spread the medication into a thin layer across the areas of your skin that have acne. Gently and completely rub the medication into your skin. After you're finished, wash your hands so that you don't accidentally get medication in your eyes or mouth. Ask your dermatologist, primary care provider, or pharmacist if you have questions about how to use dapsone (Aczone).
Ask your dermatologist about the best time to apply your acne medications if you've been prescribed tretinoin and dapsone (Aczone). Tretinoin (Retin-A) is usually applied to the affected areas of the skin once a day before bedtime. You might consider applying dapsone (Aczone) at a different time of day if you're only using it once a day, like in the morning. Using the medications at different times of the day might give each one enough time to get absorbed into your skin.
You might start to notice improvement in your acne within 1 to 2 weeks of starting dapsone (Aczone). But it can take up to a few months before you see the full benefits from the medication. Speak to your dermatologist or primary care provider if your skin doesn't start to clear up after 3 months of using dapsone (Aczone).
Weight gain wasn't a side effect that was reported by people who used dapsone (Aczone) in clinical studies. Contact your primary care provider if you notice an unusual change in your weight while you're using this medication.
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Risks and warnings for Dapsone (Aczone)
Dapsone (Aczone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Blood problem called methemoglobinemia
- Risk factors: History of methemoglobinemia | History of low glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)
Some people who used dapsone (Aczone) reported developing a rare, but serious blood condition called methemoglobinemia. With this blood problem, your red blood cells can't bring enough oxygen throughout your body. Your risk is higher if you have a genetic condition known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Get medical help right away if you notice your lips, inside of your mouth, or nails turning bluish or grayish.
Low red blood cell counts in people with G6PD deficiency
- Risk factors: G6PD deficiency | Taking antimalarial medications, dapsone tablets, or sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
There might be a risk for low red blood cell counts (hemolytic anemia) with dapsone (Aczone). This is when your red blood cells get destroyed faster than your body can make new ones.
In general, your risk for hemolytic anemia is higher if you have a genetic condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Avoid using dapsone (Aczone) if you're taking dapsone tablets, antimalarial medications, or the antibiotic Bactrim or Septra (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim). These medications can put you at risk for low red blood cells.
Let your primary care provider know if you experience dark urine, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, or pale skin, as these can be signs of hemolytic anemia.
Dapsone (Aczone) dosage
Gel pump| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60g of 7.5% | 1 pump | $55.37 | $55.37 |
| 90g of 7.5% | 1 pump | $68.65 | $68.65 |
Typical dosage for Dapsone (Aczone)
-
Dapsone 5% gel (Aczone): Apply a pea-sized amount as a thin layer to the areas of your skin that have acne. Apply the 5% gel twice a day.
-
Dapsone 7.5% gel (Aczone): Apply a pea-sized amount as a thin layer to the areas of your skin that have acne. Apply the 7.5% gel once a day.
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