Aczone (Dapzone) vs. Mepron

• Are Aczone and Mepron the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Aczone?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Mepron?
• What Is Aczone?
• What Is Mepron?
• What drugs interact with Aczone?
• What drugs interact with Mepron?
• How Should Aczone Be Taken?
• How Should Mepron Be Taken?

Dapsone and Mepron (atovaquone) are used to treat and prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP).

Dapsone is also used in the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis (a skin condition) and leprosy (Hansen's disease).

Dapsone and Mepron belong to different drug classes. Dapsone is an antibacterial medication and Mepron is an antiprotozoal agent.

A brand name for dapsone is Aczone.

Side effects of dapsone and Mepron that are similar include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, or sleep problems (insomnia).

Side effects of dapsone that are different from Mepron include loss of appetite, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

Side effects of Mepron hat are different from dapsone include stomach pain or upset, diarrhea, constipation, weakness, muscle pain, skin rash, or sweating.

Dapsone may interact with other drugs.

Mepron may interact with rifabutin, rifampin, blood thinners, or seizure medications.

Side effects of Aczone include:

• skin dryness,
• redness,
• oiliness, and
• peeling.

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomach pain or upset,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• headache,
• weakness,
• dizziness,
• muscle pain,
• skin rash,
• sweating, or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

Serious side effects of Mepron include:

• easy bruising or bleeding,
• unusual weakness,
• fever, or
• flu symptoms.

Aczone (dapsone) Gel, 5% is a sulfone drug indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. Aczone Gel 5% is available in generic form.

Mepron (atovaquone) is an antiprotozoal agent indicated for the prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients who are intolerant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and is indicated for the acute oral treatment of mild-to-moderate PCP in patients who are intolerant to TMP-SMX.

Aczone Gel 5% may interact with other topical medications, harsh or abrasive soaps, or cosmetics on the affected area. Tell your doctor all medications, supplements, and skin care products you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Aczone Gel 5%; it is unknown if it will harm a fetus. Aczone Gel 5% passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Those allergic to atovaquone should not use this medication. Mepron may interact with other medications such as rifabutin, rifampin, blood thinners, or seizure medications. There are no adequate studies on pregnant women using Mepron. Mepron should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is unknown if Mepron passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

For topical use only. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. After the skin is gently washed and patted dry, apply approximately a pea-sized amount of Aczone Gel 5%, in a thin layer to the acne affected areas twice daily. Rub in Aczone Gel 5% gently and completely. Wash hands after application of Aczone Gel 5%.

Mepron (atovaquone) is supplied in strength of 750 mg atovaquone in each teaspoonful (5 mL). Dosing varies for adults and pediatric patients and is determined by the prescribing doctor. Note that failure to administer Mepron Suspension with meals may limit response to therapy.