Dapsone: Preparation and Uses

What is Dapsone? How Dapsone is Prepared? Mention its uses.

Dapsone is also known as 4,4'-sulfonyldianiline, diaminodiphenyl sulfone," "antibiotic," "sulfonamide drug," "leprosy," "acne," "dermatitis herpetiformis," "pneumonia," "4-chloronitrobenzene," "sodium sulfide," "chromic acid," (SDA) or diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS), an antibiotic that is used for treating general infections and skin infections caused by bacteria. It is not effective against viral infections. Dapsone is a sulfonamide drug, which means it has sulfa as a component. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help treat certain skin conditions like acne. It is available both as an oral drug form and topical application form. It's an odorless white to creamy-white crystalline powder with a slightly bitter taste.

Preparation of Dapsone

From: 4-chloro nitrobenzene

4-chloronitrobenzene reacts with sodium sulfide to yield 4,4'-dinitrodiphenyl sulfide. The dinitro compound is then reduced to the corresponding diamino derivative, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfide followed by oxidation with chromic acid yield Dapsone.

Uses of Dapsone

Dapsone is mainly used to treat skin conditions and some systemic infections. Dapsone, along with other antibiotics, is used as a first-line treatment in leprosy (Hansen's disease). The tablet form is used in treating moderate to severe forms of acne, and the topical application is just as effective with lesser side effects. It is also used in treating dermatitis herpetiformis and other autoimmune skin conditions. It is prescribed to treat pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems.