Dapsone
Dapsone has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Oral and topical forms have different uses and systemic risks and are not interchangeable.
Key points
- Oral dapsone requires substantially more blood and liver monitoring than topical acne treatment.
- G6PD deficiency increases haemolysis risk, while methaemoglobinaemia can reduce oxygen delivery.
- Blue-grey lips, severe breathlessness, marked weakness or a blistering rash needs urgent care.
Select a listed product and pack to order online. Supply depends on stock and destination rules; ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it suits you.
What Dapsone is used for
Topical dapsone may be used for acne. Oral dapsone has separate specialist uses, including dermatitis herpetiformis and selected infections.
Important safety checks
G6PD status, blood counts, liver function, pregnancy and medicines that also affect blood cells require review. Report new fatigue, pallor, dark urine, jaundice, fever, sore throat or rash promptly. Avoid combining topical dapsone with products that can cause skin discoloration unless advised.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for blue-grey lips or skin, severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, fainting, marked weakness, yellow skin or eyes, fever with severe illness, or a painful blistering or peeling rash.
Further reading
What is dapsone used for?
Topical dapsone may be used for acne. Oral dapsone has separate specialist uses, including dermatitis herpetiformis and some infections.
How does dapsone work?
Dapsone has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. It blocks an enzyme the organisms need to make folate, and it reduces the movement of inflammatory white blood cells (neutrophils).
Which dapsone product can I order on SGMeds?
The dapsone product on SGMeds is Aczone, and its page gives the strengths and pack sizes.
How long does dapsone take to work?
Dapsone can take 2 to 4 weeks before its full effect shows.
What are the side effects of dapsone?
Common effects include redness, dryness and peeling, and others include itching and skin discolouration. Serious effects such as a blood disorder that reduces oxygen delivery (methaemoglobinaemia) and anaemia from red blood cells breaking down (haemolytic anaemia) need urgent medical attention.
Can dapsone be taken with other medicines?
Dapsone interacts with trimethoprim. If you take other medicines that affect blood cells, or use topical products that can discolour the skin, ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining them.
How much does dapsone cost in Singapore?
The product on this page shows a price for each strength and pack size in Singapore dollars, converted from US dollars, so the exchange rate can change the final amount.
Payment and prices →Do I need a prescription for dapsone in Singapore?
No. SGMeds does not ask for a prescription to order dapsone: we place the order with our pharmacy partner, which prepares it and arranges delivery on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I buy dapsone online in Singapore?
Yes, here on SGMeds: choose the product, strength and pack, then check out. Parcels go to Singapore and Malaysia by Express shipping (tracked, up to 1 week) or Regular shipping (up to 3 weeks).
How ordering works →