dapsone

noun

dap·​sone ˈdap-ˌsōn 

: an antimicrobial agent C₁₂H₁₂N₂O₂S used especially to treat leprosy and a chronic form of dermatitis

Examples of dapsone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The condition is treated using a multi-drug regimen that consists of different combinations of antibiotics, including the drugs dapsone, rifampin, and clofazimine. —Erica Sweeney, Men's Health, 4 Aug. 2023

Instead, your dermatologist might prescribe a topical dapsone for hormonal acne at night. —Madeleine Burry, Health, 30 June 2023

Talk to your dermatologist about topical dapsone cream or oral spironolactone. —Noma Nazish, Forbes, 31 Mar. 2023

For non-hormonal acne flare-ups, topical treatments include antibiotics (such as dapsone or clindamycin), retinoids (such as tretinoin, tazarotene and adapalene), and newer combination products such as a benzoyl-peroxide-clindamycin preparation and a benzoyl-peroxide-tretinoin blend. —Stacey Colino, Washington Post, 21 June 2022

One option your dermatologist might prescribe for acne is dapsone gel, such as the brand-name version Aczone. —Sarah Jacoby, SELF, 27 Dec. 2021

Oftentimes dapsone is used alongside other acne treatments. —Sarah Jacoby, SELF, 27 Dec. 2021

If dapsone doesn't help much, then patients might also use a topical hydrocortisone or lidocaine cream for relief, Dr. Burkhart says. —Jessica Migala, Health.com, 7 June 2021

Sometimes, dapsone may need to be taken for one or two years, according to Dr. Alesci. —Jessica Migala, Health.com, 7 June 2021

Word History

Etymology

diamine + phenyl + sulfone

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

dapsone

noun

dap·​sone ˈdap-ˌsōn  -ˌzōn 

: an antimicrobial agent C₁₂H₁₂N₂O₂S taken orally to treat leprosy and dermatitis herpetiformis and topically to treat acne vulgaris

Note: Dapsone is marketed under the trademark Aczone.

called also diaminodiphenyl sulfone