2. DRUGS OF CHOICE
In 1981 the World Health Organization (WHO) Study
Group made the recommendation for leprosy patients
to receive multidrug therapy (MDT).
MDT is made up of three drugs: dapsone, rifampicin
and clofazimine.
Varying on the type of leprosy MDT can cure patients
in 6 to 12 months.
Multibacillary (MB) leprosy
For adults the standard regimen is: Rifampicin: 600 mg
once a month Dapsone: 100 mg daily Clofazimine: 300 mg
once a month and 50 mg daily Duration= 12 months.
Paucibacillary (PB) leprosy
For adults the standard regimen is: Rifampicin: 600 mg
once a month Dapsone: 100 mg daily Duration= six months
3. DRUGS OF CHOICE CONTINUED
Other antibiotics include minocycline, ofloxacin
and clarithromycin.
Aspirin, prednisone, or thalidomide are used to
control inflammation.
Oral corticosteroids and thalidomide are helpful
in preventing nerve damage by reducing swelling.
While not a medication surgery is often used for
reconstruction or drainage.
After the first dose the patient is no longer
contagious and when treatment is finished there
are no relapses in the disease.
4. CLASSIFICATION OF DRUG
Dapsone: Antibacterial
Rifampicin: Antituberculosis agent, Antibiotic
Clofazimine: Antibacterial
6. AVAILABILITY OF DRUG
WHO has provided free MDT around the world
since 1995, made possible by the Nippon
Foundation and Novartis and the Novartis
Foundation.
7. BARRIERS
Before 1960 the only known drug for leprosy was
dapsone, but M. leprea started to develop
resistance. The other two drugs were added later.
Patients must be encouraged to finish the long
treatment or they are at risk for relapse.
The change of focus from leprosy to other
diseases such as AIDS in places like Africa and
India.
