Understanding Dapsone (Aczone)

Dapsone is a prescription sulfone antibiotic. It was first used to treat leprosy in the 1940s! Acne patients receive this medication as a topical ointment. Other patients, such as those with dermatitis herpetiformis, take oral tablets! Individuals often need this medication for up to six months or for the rest of their life for certain conditions. The dose changes based on their condition! Dermatitis herpetiformis patients start with a daily dose of fifty milligrams. Regardless of their condition, patients need lab tests and regular follow-up appointments when they take this medication.

It is clear that topical dapsone is a prescription acne treatment. Patients will apply it as a topical cream for acne! Of course, they also have other antibiotics for acne. This medication is also used as a leprosy treatment. Many patients need oral dapsone with other medicines to prevent antibiotic resistance. Understanding how this antibiotic works is vital when patients are prescribed it.

How It Works

Dapsone is often sold as Aczone for treating acne. It is a sulfone antibiotic, which means that it stops bacteria growth. It does this by blocking dihydrofolic acid synthesis by creating competition with PABA. This acid is a derivative of vitamin B9!

This medication is also an anti-inflammatory. It will block the action of MPO, a peroxidase enzyme, in the body. The result is that hypochlorous acid cannot build in the body. Thus, individuals reduce tissue damage from inflammation! Experts state that this also reduces inflammation from conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and strokes.

Continue reading to uncover the uses of this medication next.