Information on Drugs Used in Management of Lepra Reactions in Commonly used Drug Information Sources in India

Availability of adequate and proper drug information helps in rational prescription of essential drugs. This can be obtained from various sources such as National Formularies; other sources such as Current Index of Medical Specialties, Monthly index of medical specialties and the information available with the regulators and drug package inserts (PI). In this study, we assessed the drug information of the drugs used for treatment of both type of lepra reactions. Five drugs used for treating Lepra reactions were analyzed for any variation (Qualitative) in information on various parameters as mentioned in commonly used drug information sources such as CIMS India, MIMS India, Central Drugs and Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) website and National Formulary of India (NFI). We observed some gross qualitative variation regarding drug information given in different commonly used sources. Variation exists in the quality of information available on indications, contraindications, dosage and completeness of the dosing schedule about drugs available in various sources. As management of Lepra reactions is crucial in achievement desirable outcome of treatment of leprosy, it is important that information regarding drugs used for such indications should be 100% uniform in all commonly used and available sources.