Leprostatic Drugs

Leprosy is a chronic, communicable disease spread by prolonged, intimate contact witli an infected person. Peripheral nerves are affected, and skin involvement is present. Lesions may be confined to a few isolated areas or may be fairly widespread over tlie entire body. Treatment with tlie leprostatic dru provides a good prospect for controlling the disease and preventing complications. 

Leprosy, also referred to as Hansen s disease is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, Althou i rare in colder climates, this disease may be seen in tropical and subtropical zon. Dapsone and clofazimine (Lamprene) are the two dru currently used to treat leprosy. The leprostatic dru are listed in the Summaiy Drug Table Leprostatic Dru.  

Clofazimine may cause pigmentation of the skin, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. 

Clofazimine is used cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, and during pr nancy (Ptegnancy Cat iy C) and lactation. If clofazimine is used during pr nancy, the infant may be bom with pigmented skin. No significant dmg dmg interactions are associated with the use of clofazimine. 

Clofazimine is primarily bactericidal against M. leprae. The exact mode of action of tiiis drug is unknown. Clofazimine is used to treat leprosy. 

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Discuss the uses, general drug action, contraindications, precautions, interactions, and general adverse reactions associated with the administration of the leprostatic drugs. 

Discuss important preadministration and ongoing assessment activities the nurse should perform on the patient taking a leprostatic drug. 

Discuss the ways to promote an optimal response to therapy, how to manage adverse reactions, and important points to keep in mind when educating patients about the use of the leprostatic drugs. 

Promoting an Optimal Response to Therapy Treatment with a leprostatic drug may require many years. These patients are faced with long-term medical and drug therapy and possibly severe disfigurement. The nurse must spend time with these patients, allowing them to verbalize their anxieties, problems, and fears. 

Impaired Skin Integrity related to adverse reactions of the leprostatic drugs... 

Before administration of the initial dose of a leprostatic drug, it is most important for die nurse to assess... 

When educating the patient about taking a leprostatic drug, the nurse would include which of the following information ... 

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