DAPSONE

Sulphones are drugs of choice for the therapy of all forms of leprosy. Mucosal lesions are first to respond; oral, nasal, pharyngeal, and laryngeal nodules, infiltrations, and ulcerations regress and disappear, and secondary infections subside. Invasion of the peripheral nerves probably occurs in all cases of leprosy, but it is prominent in the tuberculoid form of the disease. The involved extremity is painful and swollen. Patients harbour ‘M. leprae’ in mucous membranes, skin, and nerves long after superficial lesions have disappeared.

Dosage

10-100mg/day depending upon body wt.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity to sulphas.

Special Precautions

Treatment should be initiated with a small dose & the quantity than increased gradually. Paediatrics: Reduced dose necessary. Pregnancy: Use with caution. Lactation: Use with caution. Elderly: Reduced dose may be necessary.

Side Effects

Hemolysis of varying degree, Methemoglobinemia & Heinz-body formation, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, headache, nervousness, insomnia, blurred vision, erythema nodosum leprosum.

Drug Interactions

Rifampicin lower the blood level. Probenecid increases plasma concentration of the drugs.