Dapsone was synthesized in 1908 by Fromm and Wittmann. The drug was approved by FDA for the treatment of such conditions as acne vulgaris, leprosy and dermatitis herpetiformis, also the drug is used off-label for many skin diseases. Although the exact mechanism of dapsone action is unknown, it is speculated that it acts as both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. It was demonstrated that dapsone suppresses ROS generation, inhibits neutrophil myeloperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase and also inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate synthase.

Thiazosulfone (also known as Promizole) is a phenylsulfonylthiazole derivative patented by Parke, Davis & Co. as the anti-tuberculosis agent. In preclinical models, Thiazosulfone exerts a definitely favorable influence on the course of experimental tuberculosis previously established in the highly susceptible guinea pig. In clinical trials Thiazosulfone and Streptomycin combined therapy exerts favor influences on tuberculous meningitis. Thiazosulfone seems to have an inhibitory action on hematogenous tuberculosis. Its toxicity is very low and it can, therefore, be administered for a prolonged period.

Amidapsone (aminoureidosulfone) is an urea analog of dapsone used in treatment of herpesvirus caused Marek's diseases.

Diathymosulfone is an antibacterial agent. It was used as antimycobacterial and leprostatic drug.

Acedapsone (4,4′-diacetyldiaminodiphenyl sulfone) is a long-acting intramuscular repository derivative of dapsone. Acedapsone is mainly used as a depot leprostatic agent. The parent compound possesses little activity against M. leprae but is metabolized into active dapsone. Its half-life is 46 days, and that of the derived dapsone is 43 days. A 300-mg intramuscular dose maintains dapsone levels in volunteers above the inhibitory concentration for M. leprae for approximately 100 days. Microbiologic and clinical responses are somewhat slower than those for daily dapsone are. Long-term studies with acedapsone by injection five times yearly have yielded encouraging results. Acedapsone shows promise especially in regions where, or in patients in whom, long-term oral therapy is not practical.

Acetosulfone (promacetin®) (sodium 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone-2-acetylsulfonamide) is much less toxic sulfone than sulfoxone sodium (diasone®). Acetosulfone is an antibacterial agent. It has been used in the treatment of leprosy, has been under study in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine since 1949. Acetosulfone was also used for the treatment of sarcoidosis. It was tested in the treatment of the Duhring's disease.

Glucosulfone (Glucosulfone Free Acid, or Promin) is a compound used to treat mycobacterial infections, such as tuberculosis and leprosy. It is converted to dapsone in the body, which also has been shown to have therapeutic effects against dermatitis herpetiformis, actinomycotic mycetoma, asthma, malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, Kaposiís sarcoma, pneumocystis carinii (pneumonia), subcorneal pustular dermatosis and cystic acne. Once converted to dapsone, it has haemotoxic effects (destroying red blood cells, or disrupting blood clotting, potentially causing organ or tissue damage).

Acedia Sulfone, an antimicrobial drug that is a prodrug of dapsone, which is used to treat leprosy.

Acetosulfone (promacetin®) (sodium 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone-2-acetylsulfonamide) is much less toxic sulfone than sulfoxone sodium (diasone®). Acetosulfone is an antibacterial agent. It has been used in the treatment of leprosy, has been under study in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine since 1949. Acetosulfone was also used for the treatment of sarcoidosis. It was tested in the treatment of the Duhring's disease.

Glucosulfone (Glucosulfone Free Acid, or Promin) is a compound used to treat mycobacterial infections, such as tuberculosis and leprosy. It is converted to dapsone in the body, which also has been shown to have therapeutic effects against dermatitis herpetiformis, actinomycotic mycetoma, asthma, malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, Kaposiís sarcoma, pneumocystis carinii (pneumonia), subcorneal pustular dermatosis and cystic acne. Once converted to dapsone, it has haemotoxic effects (destroying red blood cells, or disrupting blood clotting, potentially causing organ or tissue damage).