Faculty Collaboration Database

Severe methemoglobinemia due to topical dapsone misuse in a teenage girl. Pediatr Dermatol 2020 Mar;37(2):377-378

Date

12/27/2019

Pubmed ID

31876314

DOI

10.1111/pde.14080

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85077160231 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   6 Citations

Abstract

Dapsone gel is a topical treatment for facial acne in adolescents and adults, and while systemic dapsone therapy is known to be associated with methemoglobinemia, once-daily topical dapsone has been well tolerated with few side effects in large randomized controlled trials. We describe the first reported case of severe methemoglobinemia in a healthy adolescent using daily topical dapsone. Although the medication was prescribed for facial use only, the patient reported topical use over her back and chest as well. This case illustrates the potential for significant systemic dapsone absorption even with daily topical dosing and demonstrates the need for clear anticipatory guidance to prevent the potential morbidity and mortality associated with methemoglobinemia from improper topical dapsone use.

Author List

Yale S, Stefanko N, McCarthy P, McFadden V, McCarthy J

Authors

Patrick J. McCarthy MD, MME Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
James J. Mccarthy MD Director, Assistant Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Vanessa Mcfadden MD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Sarah Yale MD Assistant Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Acne Vulgaris
Administration, Topical
Adolescent
Anti-Infective Agents
Dapsone
Drug Misuse
Female
Humans
Methemoglobinemia