Combined chemotherapy trials with regimens containing ofloxacin and rifampicin for multibacillary leprosy patients.

The results of combined chemotherapy trials with regimens containing ofloxacin and rifampicin for the treatment of 60 multibacillary leprosy cases from January 1989 to September 1995 was reported. Clinical improvement was achieved by all regimens from the end of the first month. Most patients continued to improve for 3 years. Bacterial indices were gradually reduced during the treatment. Patients on regimens containing rifampicin were clear of M. leprae at the end of the 5th year. The complications and side-effects of ofloxacin and rifampicin were trivial and both drugs were well tolerated. Ofloxacin added to the current WHO recommended M.B.-MDT regimen may shorten the duration of treatment. Ofloxacin may be an alternative in suspected/proven rifampicin resistant cases or rifampicin contraindicated.