Is Dapsone Gel Safe and Effective for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not dapsone gel is safe and effective for the treatment of acne vulgaris. STUDY DESIGN: A review of three English language studies published in 2007. Includes two randomized, double-blind, controlled trials and one open label, noncomparative study. DATA SOURCES: Randomized, controlled trials comparing dapsone gel to vehicle gel control were found using PubMed and Cochrane database. OUTCOMES MEASURED: Success on the Global Acne Assessment Score (GAAS) and reduction in acne lesion counts RESULTS: The two randomized, controlled trials and the open-label noncomparative study showed that dapsone gel was effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Results from the Draelos et al and Raimer et al studies showed patients had success on the GAAS and had a reduction in acne lesion counts. The Lucky et al study showed that patients had a reduction in acne lesions counts. All three studies also demonstrated that dapsone gel was safe when used to treat acne vulgaris. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the randomized, controlled trials and open-label noncomparative study indicate that dapsone gel for the treatment of acne vulgaris is safe and