Guide To Dapsone (Aczone)

Potential Side Effects

This medication is associated with a range of potential side effects. Some of these can be serious. The most frequent side effects are nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, dizziness, and appetite loss. Headaches, ringing in the ears, spinning sensations, and sleeping difficulties may occur as well. Patients should let their doctor know right away if these effects continue or worsen. Less commonly, some individuals on this medication have experienced chest pain, rapid breathing, a fast heart rate, and difficulties urinating. The patient's lips and skin may turn blue. It is also possible for them to have muscle weakness. Mood or mental state changes are potential side effects as well.

Rarely, dapsone may cause low blood counts and liver disease. Potential signs of these issues include jaundice, pale skin, dark urine, and abdominal pain. During treatment, patients should seek urgent care if they develop any of these signs. Prompt care is also important if the patient shows any signs of infection. These signs include fever, chills, or a sore throat.

Learn about the precautions for this medication next.

Precautions To Remember

Before taking dapsone, patients should let their doctors know about their medical history. For example, they will need to know about any history of liver disease, heart disease, or lung disease. It is especially important for patients to inform their doctor about any history of blood conditions. Examples include anemia, G6PD deficiency, and porphyria. This medication may not be safe for use by these individuals. Anemia patients will need to be treated for this condition before starting dapsone. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss the benefits and risks linked to this medicine with their doctor. Generally, this medication is not recommended during these times. When this medicine is used to treat Hansen's disease, it can cause muscle weakness, skin sores, and numbness or pain. These side effects may require additional treatment. Thus, patients should inform their doctor promptly if they notice any of these symptoms.

Patients should not use alcohol or marijuana while taking dapsone. The medication can increase sensitivity to the sun. As such, patients are advised to avoid sun exposure as much as possible and to wear sunscreen daily. They should not use tanning beds. In addition, individuals may want to wear hats, long sleeves, and other protective clothing to reduce sun exposure. Patients who use dapsone to treat dermatitis herpetiformis will need to follow a gluten-free diet while using this medicine. This antibiotic can be taken before or after eating a meal. Patients should drink a glass of water when they take it as well.

Reveal the potential medication interactions next.