Acedapsone

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Acedapsone

Acedapsone (also known as 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid) is a sulfone derivative used in the treatment of leprosy. It is a long-acting, lipophilic derivative of dapsone.

History

Acedapsone was developed in the mid-20th century as part of a search for more effective and less toxic antileprosy drugs. It was first synthesized in 1945 by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Ciba (now part of Novartis).

Pharmacology

Acedapsone is a prodrug of dapsone, which means it is metabolized in the body to produce dapsone. It is more lipophilic than dapsone, which allows it to be stored in fatty tissues and slowly released over time. This gives it a longer duration of action than dapsone, and allows for less frequent dosing.

Clinical use

Acedapsone is used in the treatment of leprosy, particularly in patients who cannot tolerate dapsone or who have become resistant to it. It is usually given as a monthly injection, in combination with other antileprosy drugs.

Side effects

Like dapsone, acedapsone can cause a range of side effects, including hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), methemoglobinemia (a condition in which the blood cannot carry enough oxygen), and hypersensitivity reactions. It can also cause neuropathy (nerve damage), although this is less common.

See also

• Dapsone
• Leprosy
• Sulfone

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