Ofloxacin containing combined drug regimens in the treatment of multibacillary leprosy.

The results of ofloxacin containing combined drug regimens in the treatment of 60 multibacillary leprosy cases from January 1989 to June 1995 are reported. The objective of the trial is to compare the antileprotic property of ofloxacin and rifampicin in multibacillary leprosy patients and to study the killing rate of M. leprae by ofloxacin and rifampicin before mass treatment can be recommended. The complications and side-effects of ofloxacin and rifampicin were of a mild nature and both drugs were well tolerated. Moderate to marked clinical improvement was noticed in a short period with ofloxacin containing regimens in multibacillary leprosy patients. No persisters were detected in any of the 33 specimens (of mouse footpads) that had been obtained after treatment for 6 months. Ofloxacin if added to the currently used WHO recommended MB-MDT regimen may shorten the duration of treatment. Ofloxacin, therefore, may be considered as a suitable alternative in suspected/proven rifampicin resistant cases and where rifampicin is contraindicated. The results were evaluated on the basis of the clinical conditions, mycobactericidal effectiveness, signs of drug toxicity and side effects.