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Other Drugs Used in Leprosy Treatment
Epiroprim
- Mechanism of Action: Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), disrupting bacterial DNA and RNA synthesis.
- Adverse Effects:
- Hematologic effects: Bone marrow suppression (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)
- Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Skin rashes, fever
- Liver toxicity: Elevated liver enzymes
- Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to sulfonamides or antifolates
- Severe liver disease
- Pregnancy (especially in the first trimester)
Linezolid
- Mechanism of Action: Binds to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing protein synthesis initiation.
- Adverse Effects:
- Hematologic effects: Thrombocytopenia, anemia, leukopenia
- Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Peripheral neuropathy: Numbness, tingling, pain
- Serotonin syndrome (if used with SSRIs)
- Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to linezolid
- Concomitant use with SSRIs (risk of serotonin syndrome)
- Bone marrow suppression
Clarithromycin
- Mechanism of Action: Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit.
- Adverse Effects:
- Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort
- Hepatotoxicity: Liver enzyme elevations
- QT interval prolongation: Cardiac arrhythmias
- Taste disturbances: Metallic taste
- Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to macrolides
- Severe liver impairment
- Concomitant use with drugs that prolong QT interval