Abstract: Dapsone (4,4-diaminodiphenylsulfone, DDS) was recommended as one of the drugs for treatment of infectious diseases and inflammatory diseases. However, a few of treated patients would suffer from a hypersensitivity syndrome after DDS therapy. The occurrence of dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome(DHS) limited the widespread clinical use of DDS and it was only used for treatment of leprosy. HLA-B*13:01 was reported as a strong risk factor for DHS and it has been found that prospective HLA-B*13:01 screening could prevent DHS. This allows for its use in dermatology. In this review, we discuss the pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, and indications of DDS.

Key words: dapsone, dermatology, dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome