Comparison of Two Dosage Regimens of Oral Dapsone for Prophylaxis of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia in Pediatric HIV Infection

Inclusion Criteria Concurrent Medication: Allowed: * Rifampin and rifampin derivatives for up to 1 week during the study. * Rifabutin or other drugs that could alter dapsone metabolism (if prescribed by the child's primary care physician). Patients must have: * Evidence of HIV infection. PER AMENDMENT 11/16/95: * Children who require prophylaxis. (Was written - Risk of developing PCP.) * Known intolerance to TMP / SMX. * Consent of parent or guardian. Patients entering this study may be co-enrolled in other ACTG pediatric studies. Exclusion Criteria Co-existing Condition: Patients with the following symptoms and conditions are excluded: * Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. * Known allergy to dapsone. Concurrent Medication: Excluded: * Rifampin, rifampin derivatives, or oxidant drugs for more than 1 week. Patients with the following prior conditions are excluded: * Serious or life-threatening reactions to TMP / SMX (e.g., anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hypotension) that would contraindicate therapy with sulfa drugs. Prior Medication: Excluded: * Prior dapsone. * Rifampin, rifampin derivatives, or oxidant drugs within 1 week prior to study entry. * TMP / SMX within 7 days prior to study entry (and toxicity must be clearly resolving). Prior Treatment: Excluded: * RBC transfusion within 4 weeks prior to study entry.