Dapsone is used in multi-drug therapy for leprosy. Its mechanism of action is similar to which antibiotic class?

• A Fluoroquinolones — DNA gyrase inhibition
• B Macrolides — 50S ribosomal subunit inhibition
• C Beta-lactams — transpeptidase inhibition
• D Sulfonamides — competitive inhibition of dihydropteroate synthase ✓

Explanation

Dapsone belongs to the sulfone class and, like sulfonamides, competitively inhibits dihydropteroate synthase in bacteria, blocking folate synthesis essential for nucleotide production. It is used with rifampicin and clofazimine as part of WHO-recommended multi-drug therapy (MDT) for leprosy to prevent resistance. Dapsone also has anti-inflammatory properties used in dermatology for conditions like dermatitis herpetiformis.

Reference: KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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