Sketchy Pharm: Leprosy Drugs

Question 1

How is Mycobacterium avium treated?

Answer 1

With macrolides (azithromycin or clarithromycin) and ethambutol

(Think of the M. avium birdcage next to the two crows and Ethel the cowgirl.)

Question 2

AIDS patients sometimes get MAC when their CD4 counts drop below 50. What is MAC?

Answer 2

Mycobacterium avium complex

Think of Ethel with the cane next to the speed limit 50 sign.

Question 3

Macrolides are often given prophylactically when ______________.

Answer 3

CD4 counts drop below 50 (like the crow on the speed limit 50 sign)

Question 4

What drug has a similar mechanism of action to rifampin?

Answer 4

Rifabutin

Think of the sign welcoming people to the Arizona BUTtes above the rifampin-rifleman.

Question 5

Rifabutin is indicated in ___________.

Answer 5

AIDS patients with TB; rifabutin is a less potent activator of the CYP450 system, so it does not decrease levels of antiretrovirals to the extent that rifampin does

(Think of the horse screeching to a stop beneath the BUTtes sign –it’s stopping the shiny CYP bumper.)

Question 6

The antibiotic used to treat M. leprae has what side effects?

Answer 6

• Hemolytic anemia in G6PD deficiency patients
• Agranulocytosis

(Watermelon – bite cells –and hourglass in the DePuty zONE.)

Question 7

Other than dapsone, what two drugs treat Mycobacterium leprae?

Answer 7

Rifampin and clofaximine