Dapsone Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 3, 2023.

Applies to dapsone topical: topical gel/jelly.

Common side effects of dapsone topical

Some side effects of dapsone topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• dryness, redness, oiliness, or peeling at the application site

Serious side effects of dapsone topical

Along with its needed effects, dapsone topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dapsone topical:

Incidence not known

• bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
• dark urine
• difficult breathing
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• fever
• headache
• pale skin
• rapid heart rate
• sore throat
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dapsone topical: topical gel.

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Local stinging/burning (up to 23.5%), application site reaction (not otherwise specified [NOS]; 18%), local dryness (up to 17.7%), application site dryness (up to 16%), application site erythema (up to 13%), application site oiliness/peeling (up to 13%), local scaling (up to 12.4%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Local erythema, application site burning, application site pruritus
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Application site pain^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Postmarketing reports: Methemoglobinemia

Oral Dapsone:

• Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Postmarketing reports: Rash (including erythematous rash, application site rash), facial swelling (including lip swelling, eye swelling)

Oral Dapsone:

• Frequency not reported: Skin reactions (toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, morbilliform and scarlatiniform reactions, bullous and exfoliative dermatitis, erythema nodosum, urticaria)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache NOS
• Frequency not reported: Tonic clonic movements

Oral Dapsone:

• Frequency not reported: Peripheral neuropathy (motor loss and muscle weakness)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection NOS, sinusitis NOS, pharyngitis, cough, influenza
• Frequency not reported: Severe pharyngitis^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Joint sprain^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon: Depression
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Psychosis
• Frequency not reported: Suicide attempt^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, severe vomiting, pancreatitis^[Ref]

Further information

Dapsone topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer