Last reviewed · How we verify
Dapsone gel, 5%
Dapsone is a sulfone antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase and suppresses neutrophil function and reactive oxygen species production.
Dapsone is a sulfone antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase and suppresses neutrophil function and reactive oxygen species production. Used for Acne vulgaris, Rosacea.
At a glance
| Generic name | Dapsone gel, 5% |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ACZONE™ (dapsone) Gel, 5% |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center |
| Drug class | Sulfone antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent |
| Target | Dihydrofolate reductase; neutrophil function modulation |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Dapsone works through dual mechanisms: it disrupts bacterial folate synthesis by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase, making it bacteriostatic against susceptible organisms, and it also exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing neutrophil chemotaxis and the generation of reactive oxygen species. When formulated as a topical gel, it delivers these antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties directly to affected skin areas.
Approved indications
- Acne vulgaris
- Rosacea
Common side effects
- Erythema
- Dryness
- Peeling
- Contact dermatitis
Key clinical trials
- Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Topical Dapsone Gel in Patients With Acne Vulgaris (PHASE4)
- Comparison of the Efficacy of Clindamycin Phosphate 1% Gel Versus Once-daily Dapsone 5% Gel in the Treatment of Moderate Acne Vulgaris (PHASE2)
- Effect of New Topical Preparation for Treatment of Acne Vulgaris (PHASE2)
- DAPSONE GEL7.5%Versus Trichloroacetic Acid 20% ON ACNE VULGARIS (PHASE4)
- Study Comparing Test to Aczone 7.5% and Both to a Placebo Control in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris (PHASE3)
- Safety and Efficacy Trial of ACZONE (Dapsone) Gel, 7.5% in 9 to 11 Year-Old Patients With Acne Vulgaris (PHASE4)
- Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Dapsone in Acne Vulgaris (PHASE1)
- Efficacy and Safety of Aczone 7.5% Gel in the Treatment of Truncal Acne Vulgaris (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Dapsone gel, 5% CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Dapsone gel, 5% updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center portfolio CI