Dapsone, also known as 4,4-sulfonyldianiline (SDA) or diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS), is an antibiotic commonly used in combination with rifampicin and clofazimine for the treatment of leprosy. It is a second-line medication for the treatment and prevention of pneumocystis pneumonia and for the prevention of toxoplasmosis in those who have poor immune function. Additionally, it has been used for acne, dermatitis herpetiformis, and various other skin conditions. Dapsone is available both topically and by mouth.Severe side effects may include a decrease in blood cells, red blood cell breakdown especially in those with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G-6-PD), or hypersensitivity. Common side effects include nausea and loss of appetite. Other side effects include liver inflammation, methemoglobinemia, and a number of types of skin rashes. While the safety of use during pregnancy is not entirely clear some physicians recommend that it be continued in those with leprosy. It is of the sulfone class.Dapsone was first studied as an antibiotic in 1937. Its use for leprosy began in 1945. It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. The form, which is taken by mouth, is available as a generic drug and not very expensive. Medical uses
Infections
Dapsone is commonly used in combination with rifampicin and clofazimine for the treatment of leprosy. It is also used to both treat and prevent pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP).
Blood findings
The blood film can point towards vitamin deficiency:

Decreased red blood cell (RBC) count and hemoglobin levels
Increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV, >100 fL) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)
Normal mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC, 32–36 g/dL)
Decreased reticulocyte count due to destruction of fragile and abnormal megaloblastic erythroid precursor. The platelet count may be reduced. Neutrophil granulocytes may show multisegmented nuclei ("senile neutrophil"). This is thought to be due to decreased production and a compensatory prolonged lifespan for circulating neutrophils, which increase numbers of nuclear segments with age. Anisocytosis (increased variation in RBC size) and poikilocytosis (abnormally shaped RBCs). Macrocytes (larger than normal RBCs) are present. Ovalocytes (oval-shaped RBCs) are present. Howell-Jolly bodies (chromosomal remnant) also present.Blood chemistries will also show:

An increased lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) level. The isozyme is LDH-2 which is typical of the serum and hematopoietic cells. Increased homocysteine and methylmalonic acid in Vitamin B12 deficiency
Increased homocysteine in folate deficiencyNormal levels of both methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine rule out clinically significant cobalamin deficiency with virtual certainty.Bone marrow (not normally checked in a patient suspected of megaloblastic anemia) shows megaloblastic hyperplasia. See also
List of circulatory system conditions
List of hematologic conditions

References
External links

GeneReview/NCBI/NIH/UW entry on Thiamine-Responsive Megaloblastic Anemia Syndrome
Rare Anemias Foundation