5 mins read

Overview: Topical dapsone is commonly used to treat acne vulgaris on your skin. It is an antibiotic that stops the growth of acne-forming bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory effects. The most common side effects include dryness, itching, oiliness, peeling, and skin redness. Serious side effects are less common but may include blood disorders, such as methemoglobinemia.

Uses

What is topical dapsone used for?

Topical dapsone is commonly used to treat acne vulgaris on your skin.

Topical dapsone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does topical dapsone work (mechanism of action)?

Topical dapsone is an antibiotic that can stop the growth of certain bacteria, including those involved in acne formation. It works by stopping the bacteria from making a chemical they need to grow and multiply. Dapsone also has anti-inflammatory effects.

How is topical dapsone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Aczone

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5% topical gel
  • 7.5% topical gel

Dapsone is also available in a form that is taken by mouth. See Dapsone for more information.

How should I store topical dapsone?

Topical dapsone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical dapsone?

The most common side effects of topical dapsone are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the product you are using. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Dryness
  • Itching
  • Oiliness
  • Peeling 
  • Skin redness

There may be other side effects of topical dapsone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical dapsone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical dapsone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical dapsone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical dapsone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Methemoglobinemia. A serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia has rarely been reported in people using topical dapsone. Hemoglobin is a protein that normally carries oxygen in your blood. Methemoglobinemia is when you have too much of a form of hemoglobin called methemoglobin. If you have methemoglobinemia, it is harder for your body to get oxygen to your tissues. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of methemoglobinemia.

  • Changes in the color of your skin, lips, or nail bed, including pale, gray, or blue skin 
  • Headache
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Tiredness or weakness

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical dapsone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical dapsone.

  • Dapsone
  • Aczone
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical dapsone products they stock.

What should I know about topical dapsone before using it?

Do not use topical dapsone unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share topical dapsone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical dapsone out of the reach of children.

Topical dapsone is for use on the skin only. Gently wash the areas where you will apply topical dapsone and pat dry before applying the medicine. Keep topical dapsone away from areas such as your eyes, mouth, and vagina. 

Some topical dapsone products may feel gritty, and some particles may be visible in the gel. This is normal.

Tell your healthcare provider if your acne does not get better after 12 weeks of using the product.

Thoroughly wash your hands after each time you apply topical dapsone.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical dapsone?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical dapsone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical dapsone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical dapsone, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Blood Disorders. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any blood disorders, including a genetic condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or a condition that causes methemoglobinemia. These conditions may increase your risk of developing certain side effects with topical dapsone.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical dapsone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Topical dapsone may pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical dapsone while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does topical dapsone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical dapsone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical dapsone.

Does topical dapsone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, skin products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using topical dapsone.

  • Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, which is an antibiotic used to treat certain infections
  • Any other topical products, including acne medicines that contain benzoyl peroxide
  • Oral dapsone
  • A medicine for malaria, such as chloroquine, primaquine, or quinine
  • A medicine known as a sulfonamide, such as sulfasalazine, which is used for certain inflammatory conditions, including ulcerative colitis or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is a medicine used for pain or fever
  • Benzocaine, which is a medicine commonly included in topical pain relief products
  • Nitrofurantoin, which is an antibiotic commonly used for urinary tract infections
  • A nitrate, such as Isordil, Nitro-Dur, NitroMist, or Nitrostat, which is a medicine used to prevent chest pain caused by a type of heart disease
  • Nitroglycerin, which is a medicine commonly used for chest pain relief
  • Phenytoin or phenobarbital, which is a medicine that may be used for seizures

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical dapsone. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical dapsone?

If you or someone else has used too much topical dapsone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical dapsone?

If you miss your scheduled dose of topical dapsone, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply topical dapsone more often than prescribed.