Abstract

Dapsone is a leprostatic agent commonly prescribed for the management of leprosy, malaria, and the immunosuppression-induced infections of Pneumocystis carinii and Toxoplasma gondii. In susceptible patients, methemoglobinemia, a potentially life-threatening event, can occur. We report a case of dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia which was observed during general anesthesia for the management of a fractured mandible. The pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia will be discussed.