Ofloxacin in leprosy

Leprosy Mailing List, January 18th, 2009

Ref.: Ofloxacin in leprosy
From: Saunderson P., Greenville , SC , USA


Dear Salvatore,

In response to Dr Kamaladasa’s question (LML Jan. 11th, 2009) about ofloxacin, the recommended dose for the treatment of leprosy is clearly stated by the WHO Expert Committee on Leprosy (Seventh Report, 1998; page 13) as 400mg daily. Monthly rifampicin, plus daily ofloxacin (400mg) for 6 months will be more than adequate for PB cases.

The fluoroquinolones, including ofloxacin, are not recommended for children and adolescents, because of possible effects on growing joints (arthropathy is seen in studies using immature animals). The WHO report also states: “Side effects include nausea, diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal complaints, and a variety of central nervous system complaints including insomnia, headaches, dizziness, nervousness and hallucinations. Serious problems are rare and do not usually require discontinuing the drug.”

With best wishes,

Dr Paul Saunderson, MD, MRCP
Medical Director: American Leprosy Missions
Head Office: 1 ALM Way, Greenville , SC 29601 , USA
Home address: Østrem, 6013 Ålesund , Norway
Email: psaunderson at leprosy.org