Diphencyprone (DPCP)

Diphencyprone (DPCP)

Diphencyprone (DPCP) is a drug that can be used to treat alopecia areta . This drug has a liquid dosage form that will be applied to the bald area. Diphencyprone can only be given by a doctor.

When used to treat alopecia areata , diphencyprone will trigger allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis . Through this mechanism, diphencyprone is expected to stimulate hair growth.

Apart from treating baldness due to alopecia areata, diphencyprone can also be used in the treatment of warts  due to infection with the HPV virus (human papillomavirus) and melanoma on the skin.

Diphencyprone is usually only used if the patient's condition is not successfully treated with other treatment methods.  

Diphencyprone (DPCP) trademarks:-

What is Diphencyprone (DPCP)?

class Immunotherapy
Category Prescription drugs
Benefit Stimulates hair growth
Used by Adults and children
Diphencyprone for pregnant and lactating women Category N:  Uncategorized

Diphencyprone is not recommended for use in women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.

This is because the effectiveness and side effects of this drug have not been studied in pregnant women. It is also not known whether diphencyprone can affect fertility.

Drug form Liquid

Warnings Before Using Diphencyprone (DPCP):

  • Do not use diphencyprone if you have a history of allergy to it or any other immunotherapy drug.
  • The safety of diphencyprone is not yet known in pregnant women, nursing mothers, or women who are planning a pregnancy. Avoid using this drug in these conditions.
  • Tell your doctor about all your medical history and medications you are taking.
  • Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and do not use ultraviolet lamps ( sunbed ) to darken the skin ( tanning ) while using diphencyprone.
  • Patients need to be informed of the stages of therapy and complaints that may be felt, such as the appearance of itching or redness of the skin when undergoing therapy with diphencyprone.
  • Be careful when using accessories, including hats or cloth, to protect yourself from the sun while undergoing therapy with diphencyprone. This is because the chemicals contained in the drug can stick to the surface of the clothing.
  • Immediately see a doctor if side effects occur after using diphencyprone.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Diphencyprone (DPCP)

Diphencyprone can generally be given to adults and children. Keep in mind, diphencyprone is only given by a doctor and should not be used carelessly.

The dose of diphencyprone will be determined based on the type of skin disorder you want to treat, the severity of the condition, and the response to therapy. Diphencyprone will cause an allergic reaction which is characterized by the appearance of a red, itchy rash which will last for 36–48 hours.

The stages that the patient will undergo when using diphencyprone are as follows:

Stage 1

Diphencyprone in strong doses (usually at a concentration of 2%) is applied to small areas of the skin, usually on the upper arms. Allergic reactions will generally appear within 2-3 days after the first use.

If no allergic reactions are produced, a lower dose of diphencyprone (0.1%) will be applied to the same area 2 weeks later and repeated every 2 weeks until an allergic skin reaction occurs.

Stage 2

If an allergic reaction has occurred, the next step is to determine the right dose to cause the desired allergic reaction in the skin. The doctor will apply a very low dose of the drug (usually at a concentration of 0.001%) on a small area of ​​the skin.

The dose given will be increased every week until the desired reaction occurs in the skin.

Stage 3

Once the correct dose is known, diphencyprone will be applied to the problem areas of the skin every 1-2 weeks.

The duration of using diphencyprone varies for each patient, depending on how quickly the patient's body responds to the drug, as well as the severity of the condition. Generally, diphencyprone is given for 6–8 months.

Giving diphencyprone will be stopped if the condition being treated has healed. However, in some people with alopecia areata, treatment with diphencyprone may need to be repeated if baldness returns.

How to Use Diphencyprone (DPCP) Correctly

Diphencyprone should only be given by a doctor  or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. Follow the doctor's instructions when undergoing therapy with diphencyprone.

The skin surface needs to be cleaned and dried before starting the treatment procedure. Administration of diphencyprone generally takes about 10–15 minutes.

While using the drug, protect the part of the skin that has been smeared with diphencyprone from exposure to direct sunlight for about 6-8 hours. For example, if you are using diphencyprone to treat baldness on your head, it is advisable to cover your head when you are outdoors, for example with a hat.

Avoid touching the skin area that has been smeared with diphencyprone for 24 hours. If touched, wash hands immediately. After 6–24 hours, wash the area of ​​skin that was smeared with diphencyprone.

Sometimes allergic reactions caused by this drug can occur excessively and cause complications. Therefore, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroid ointment  with very strong levels to anticipate excessive allergic reactions. The doctor will usually provide directions and explanations about the use of these additional drugs.

Diphencyprone should be stored in a dark glass bottle, kept in a closed place, away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of children.

Diphencyprone (DPCP) Side Effects and Dangers

Diphencyprone can cause side effects such as:

  • Scars due to inflammation of the skin
  • Eczema that is too severe, characterized by skin redness, crusting, itching, blisters and pus oozing
  • Skin changes color to black ( hyperpigmentation ) or pale white (hypopigmentation)

In addition, a number of other, more serious side effects can also arise from diphencyprone, including:

  • Eczema that spreads all over the body
  • Vitiligo
  • Lymph node enlargement
  • Pompholyx
  • Other allergic reactions, can be in the form of flu-like complaints or erythema multiformis
  • Urticaria
  • Headache
  • Heart beat

Immediately see a doctor if you experience side effects as mentioned above while undergoing treatment with diphencyprone.

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