Actions and Spectrum:
Actions of Dapsone:
- Antibacterial action: dapsone is primarily used to treat leprosy, a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of folic acid in the bacteria, which is essential for their growth and survival.
- Anti-inflammatory action: dapsone has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat a variety of inflammatory skin conditions, such as dermatitis herpetiformis, bullous pemphigoid, and acne. It works by suppressing the immune response and reducing the production of inflammatory mediators.
Spectrum of activity:
In addition to its activity against Mycobacterium leprae, dapsone also has activity against other bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is also active against some protozoa, such as Pneumocystis jirovecii, which is a common cause of pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals.
