What you need to know about Dapsone pills

Did your doctor prescribe you a pill called Dapsone? You may be a little unfamiliar with the name. You may be wondering what this medicine is, why it is used, and what precautions you should take while taking it. Don't worry, it's normal. Today, we'll answer all your questions about this medicine called Dapsone, very simply.

What exactly is Dapsone?

Simply put, Dapsone is a drug that belongs to the antibiotic class of drugs. Its main function is to treat bacterial infections. Doctors prescribe this drug for some cases of leprosy, as well as a number of other bacterial infections.

In addition, it is also used for a specific skin condition called 'Dermatitis Herpetiformis'. This is a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed and itches very badly. So Dapsone helps control such conditions as well.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. This is because some people with certain medical conditions may not be able to take this medicine or may need to use it with caution. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.

• G6PD deficiency: This is an inherited condition that affects an enzyme in our red blood cells. If you have this condition, Dapsone can cause your blood cells to break down.
• Liver disease: If you have any liver disease, you should tell your doctor about it.
• Anemia: If you already have low red blood cell counts, that is, anemia, this condition may worsen when using this medication.
• Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergy to dapsone or other sulfa drugs. Also tell your doctor if you have any allergies to any other drugs, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should also be aware of this medication as it can pass to your baby through breast milk.

The correct way to use the medicine

To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.

• Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
• Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. This will help keep the concentration of the medicine in your body at the same level.
• Most importantly: Take the medicine for the full duration prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms have subsided and you feel better. Do not stop taking it. If you do, you may not be able to completely kill the bacteria that caused the infection and your infection may return.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

What if I take too much medicine?

Imagine that you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine. If this happens, do not panic at all. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Other medications that may interact with Dapsone

When some medications are taken together, they can affect each other. This is called a drug interaction. Therefore, if you are taking Dapsone, you should tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Nitrofurantoin
• Primaquine
• Pyrimethamine
• Rifampin
• Trimethoprim

This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal or Ayurvedic medicines, and supplements . It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine

• Regular check-ups: Go back exactly on the days your doctor tells you to. If your symptoms don't improve or get worse, tell your doctor.
• Serious skin reactions: Some people may develop a serious skin reaction a few weeks or months after starting this medicine. If you develop red or purple skin rashes with symptoms such as fever, body aches, and then develop blisters and peel, seek medical advice immediately. Also, if you develop skin rashes with swelling of the face, lips, or a rash on the neck or armpits, see a doctor immediately.
• Risk of Anemia: This medication can cause the breakdown of red blood cells, which is a condition we discussed earlier, in people with G6PD deficiency. If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, fainting, or paleness , stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately.
• Sun sensitivity: Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun than usual while taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid going out in the sun during the day as much as possible. If you do go out, wear clothing that covers your body and use a good sunscreen.

Let's be aware of the side effects.

Like any medication, Dapsone can cause side effects in some people. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.

How do you keep your medicine safe?

Medicines are a medicine if used correctly, but a poison if used incorrectly. That's why it's very important to keep them safe.

• Keep away from children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat and light.
• Keep the cap of the medicine bottle or packet tightly closed.
• Never use expired medicine .

How do I dispose of unused or expired medicine?

Do not throw expired medications in the trash or down the toilet. If possible, ask your pharmacy or hospital about a drug take-back program. If not, remove the pills from the bottle, mix them with something like coffee grounds, soil, or used tea leaves, and place them in a tightly sealed bag or container and throw them in the trash.

Dapsone, antibiotic, skin infection, dermatitis herpetiformis, side effects