acnedap gel - Dapsone (5% w/w) medicine

acnedap gel

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🏭 Cipla Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 22, 2026
📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 22, 2026

What is acnedap gel used for?

This medicine contains Dapsone (5% w/w) and is used to treat ANTI INFECTIVES. Dapsone has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate sy. Always consult your doctor before use.

  • Generic Name: Dapsone
  • Manufacturer: Cipla Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Category A
  • Prescription Required: Yes
💡 Did You Know? India is the largest provider of generic medicines globally, supplying over 50% of global vaccine demand.

💊 acnedap gel Uses & Benefits

Topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Off-label uses: Rosacea, Seborrheic dermatitis

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Dapsone
Brand NameAcnedap Gel
ManufacturerCipla Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassANTI INFECTIVES
Action ClassAnti leprotic
Route of AdministrationTopical
StorageStore at 20-25°C (68-77°F); protect from freezing.
Shelf LifeAs per manufacturer

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionDapsone is absorbed through the skin when applied topically, with systemic absorption less than 1% of the applied dose.
DistributionSystemically absorbed dapsone is distributed widely in body tissues, including skin, liver, and kidneys.
Protein Binding70-90% bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismPrimarily hepatic via N-acetylation and N-hydroxylation, involving CYP2E1 and other enzymes.
Half-Life20-30 hours (systemic); topical absorption negligible.
ExcretionRenal excretion of metabolites and unchanged drug.
BioavailabilityLow systemic bioavailability (<1%) due to minimal percutaneous absorption.
Onset of ActionClinical improvement may be seen within 2-4 weeks.
Peak Plasma TimeNot applicable for topical use; systemic levels are negligible.
Duration of ActionSustained with regular application; effects persist with continued use.

How It Works

Dapsone has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate synthase and also reduces neutrophil chemotaxis and inflammatory mediators.

Mechanism Steps

1Inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate synthase, disrupting folate synthesis in Cutibacterium acnes.
2Reduces neutrophil chemotaxis and production of inflammatory cytokines.
3Decreases reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators in the skin.

💡 How to Take acnedap gel

Follow your doctor's prescription exactly.

⚠️ Side Effects of acnedap gel

✅ Common Side Effects

Dryness
Erythema
Peeling
Pruritus
Burning sensation

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Methemoglobinemia (rare with topical use)
Hemolytic anemia (in G6PD deficiency)

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Allergic contact dermatitis
Photosensitivity

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Rifampin Major Decreased dapsone efficacy due to increased metabolism.
Trimethoprim Major Increased risk of methemoglobinemia.
Warfarin Moderate Potential increased anticoagulant effect.

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Rifampin
  • Folic acid antagonists (e.g., pyrimethamine)
  • Trimethoprim

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Warfarin
  • Sulfonamides
  • Phenytoin

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

No known interaction.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to dapsone or sulfonamides; severe glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

🤱 Lactation Safety

Dapsone is excreted in breast milk; topical use likely safe but caution advised.

💊 Overdose Management

Topical overdose unlikely; if ingested, treat symptomatically and monitor for methemoglobinemia.

⏰ Missed Dose

Apply as soon as remembered, unless almost time for next dose; do not double up.

🔄 Substitutes for acnedap gel

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

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