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 sulphide, chromic acid, (SDA) or diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS), an antibiotic that is used for the treatment of 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 in the treatment of the certain skin conditions like acne. It is available both as an oral drug form and topical (i.e. specific area of the body) application form. It is 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 sulphide to yield 4,4'-dinitrodiphenyl sulphide. The dinitro compound is then reduced to the corresponding diamino derivative, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulphide followed by oxidation with chromic acid yield Dapsone.

Uses of Dapsone

Dapsone is mainly used for the treatment of skin conditions and some systemic infections (PCP, Malaria and Toxoplasmosis etc.). Along with other antibiotics, dapsone is used as a first-line treatment in leprosy (Hansen's disease). The tablet form is generally used for the treatment of moderate to severe forms of acne, and the topical application is effective with very less side effects. It is also used in the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis (HD i.e. very itchy rash consisting of bumps and blisters that can appear on various parts of the body, most commonly the elbows, knees, back, and buttocks.) and other autoimmune skin conditions. It is also prescribed for the treatment of pneumonia in people whose immune systems is weak.