Pharmacokinetic Interaction Between Dapsone and Rifampicin in Leprosy Patients

Different pharmacokinetic parameters of dapsone and rifampicin following P. O. administration of dapsone 100 mg. alone, rifampicin 600 mg. alone and dapsone 100 mg. plus rifampicin 600 mg. in 7 cases of untreated patients of leprosy were investigated. The blood levels, half-life and AUC0-8 hrs. of dapsone were significantly reduced with simultaneous increase in plasma clearance when it was administered along with rifampicin. The pharmacokinetic behaviour of rifampicin was, however, not significantly affected in the presence of dapsone.