Table of contents:
- There are two types of leprosy
- How is leprosy treated?
- Types of leprosy drugs prescribed by doctors
- Rifampicin
- Dapsone
- Lampren
- Clofazimine
- Ofloxacin
- Minocycline
- The combination of leprosy antibiotics according to the type
- What are the side effects of leprosy drugs?
Leprosy is often thought of as a dangerous and incurable disease. In fact, patients affected by this disease can recover completely. Management of leprosy usually involves prescribing drugs to prevent complications, stop transmission, and stop the development of bacteria that cause this infection.
There are two types of leprosy
Before prescribing medication, the doctor will first observe what type of leprosy a person is experiencing, along with the symptoms it causes. Based on the characteristics of leprosy, there are two types commonly found in Indonesia as follows.
Basiler pope (PB): PB leprosy is usually characterized by the appearance of about 1 - 5 white spots that look like tinea versicolor. there is damage to one nerve.
Multi bacillary (MB): MB leprosy is characterized by the appearance of white patches on the skin that look like ringworm. The spots appeared to spread over five pieces. For advanced symptoms, gynecomastia (breast enlargement) occurs in men.
The most basic symptom of leprosy is lack of feeling or complete numbness (numbness) in the area of the skin that shows the patches. The surface of the skin also feels dry.
This is what causes leprosy sufferers to become disabled if left untreated. It's because their nerves have become so damaged that they don't feel any pain even if their finger is cut off.
How is leprosy treated?
People who have been diagnosed with leprosy will usually be given a combination of antibiotics (MDT /Multi Drugs Therapy) as a treatment step for six months to two years.
The principle of MDT is believed to be able to shorten the treatment period, break the chain of leprosy transmission, and prevent disabilities before treatment.
Using antibiotics simultaneously at the same time is also intended so that the bacteria are not resistant to the drugs given so that leprosy will be cured quickly.
Types of leprosy drugs prescribed by doctors
Leprosy drugs are prescribed based on the type of leprosy to determine the type, antibiotic dose, and duration of treatment. Here is a list of the most common antibiotics doctors prescribe to treat leprosy
Rifampicin
Rifampicin is an antibiotic that works to inhibit the growth of leprosy bacteria which is quite effective. Rifampicin is a capsule that is consumed only by mouth. This medicine should be taken with a full glass of water on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Common side effects of using rifampicin include a red discoloration of the urine, indigestion, fever, and chills.
Dapsone
The drug dapsone works to inhibit the growth of leprosy bacteria and reduce swelling. The dose of dapsone tablets for treating leprosy in adults is usually 50-100 mg taken by mouth once a day for 2-5 years.
A common side effect is indigestion. However, in some cases, there may be an allergic reaction and shortness of breath. If these two things occur, then the use of these drugs must be stopped. Your doctor may prescribe other types of medication.
Lampren
Lampren's function is to weaken the defenses of leprosy bacteria. Side effects of lamprene include indigestion, dry mouth and skin, and brownish spots on the skin (hyperpigmentation).
Clofazimine
Clofazimine should be taken with food or milk. The dosage of clofazimine capsules for treating leprosy in adults and adolescents is usually in the range of 50-100 mg taken once a day.
This drug must be accompanied by other drugs. You may have to take clofazimine for 2 years. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may recur.
This medicine generally causes discoloration of stool, blotchy (eye discharge), phlegm, sweat, tears, and urine, and indigestion.
Ofloxacin
Ofloxacin works to stop the growth of leprosy-causing bacteria. Usually this medication is prescribed as an alternative when you have a reaction against dapsone.
This medicine generally causes swelling of the skin due to allergies and itching. If you miss time taking this medicine, then take it as soon as you remember. If you miss a day, keep taking it, but it must be the same dose of medicine per day, do not exceed that.
Minocycline
Minocycline is an antibiotic that works against bacteria. This drug should not be consumed by pregnant women because it will harm the fetus. Do not drag on this medication past the dosage period as it can increase the risk of kidney disease.
The combination of leprosy antibiotics according to the type
For wet leprosy (type PB) the doctor will prescribe a combination of dapsone and rifampicin. However, if you have / experience an allergic reaction to dapsone, it will be changed to rifampicin and clofazimine.
For dry leprosy (type MB), the doctor will give a combination of dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine or dapsone, rifampicin, and lampren.
For SLPB (Single Lesion Paucibacillary), namely people with leprosy who only have a single symptom of the lesion and do not have other symptoms, the combination of drugs given is rifampicin, ofloxacin, and minocycline.
Other drugs used to support the healing process are usually supplements of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 as well as deworming drugs that are given according to body weight doses.
What are the side effects of leprosy drugs?
Source: Medical News Today
Usually during the treatment period, you may experience side effects in the form of a reddish skin rash, dry and flaky skin, to joint pain.
However, you don't need to worry because actually this effect is just a leprosy reaction. Leprosy reaction is a condition in which bacteria begin to react to drugs that are consumed.
The immune system trying to build this defense will cause the above reaction. This effect affects about 25 - 40% of patients and usually occurs six months to one year after starting treatment.
If these side effects occur, do not stop treatment without telling your doctor. Because, this action will actually worsen your condition.
When leprosy is not completely treated, the bacteria will continue to multiply and will get stronger over time. The bacteria that are left alone will cause permanent nerve damage, muscle weakness, or disability.
If symptoms appear outside of the common side effects, contact a dermatologist immediately. Usually the drug can be replaced with other drugs according to the dose and type of leprosy you are suffering from.
Likewise, if you have a history of other diseases such as bronchitis, kidney problems or other diseases, consult beforehand so that the drugs you are taking do not worsen your disease.
