RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: In their 70-year history, dapsone and other sulfones have been used as both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents. Dapsone has been the main active principle in the multidrug regimen recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment of leprosy. In addition, dapsone has been successfully used to treat a wide range of dermatological and systemic disorders, mostly characterized by neutrophilic and eosinophilic accumulation and infiltration. Areas covered: The PubMed database was searched using combinations of the following keywords: dapsone, sulfones, pharmacodynamics, pharmacology, adverse events, pharmacokinetics, drug interaction, dermatologic uses, and antimicrobial uses. This article reviews and updates the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, adverse effects, drug interactions, and clinical application of sulfones. Expert opinion: Dapsone exhibits clinical efficacy in several cutaneous and systemic conditions and is now generally accepted as the therapy of choice for leprosy and for rare dermatosis, as dermatitis herpetiformis. Careful patient selection and close monitoring during treatment are mandatory to provide safe and effective use of dapsone. Familiarity with sulfones and dapsone is crucial because of this agent retains its niche in the clinician's therapeutic armamentarium.