Pathophysiologic mechanisms, diagnosis, and management of dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia.
Dapsone is a leprostatic agent commonly prescribed for the treatment of patients with leprosy, malaria, and a variety of blistering skin diseases, including dermatitis herpetiformis. Methemoglobinemia, a potentially life-threatening condition in which the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood in body tissues is reduced, is a known adverse effect of dapsone use. The authors report a case of dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia observed in the emergency department during routine workup for contact dermatitis in a patient with celiac disease. The pathophysiologic mechanisms, diagnosis, and management of dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia are discussed.
Ashurst
John V
JV
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pennsylvania, USA. john.ashurst@lecom.edu
Wasson
Megan N
MN
Hauger
William
W
Fritz
William T
WT
D000368:Aged; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003622:Dapsone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000188:drug therapy; D004155:Diphenhydramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007917:Leprostatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D012648:Self Care
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D007917:Leprostatic Agents; D004155:Diphenhydramine; D003622:Dapsone