ANTIPYRETIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTION OF FLUFENAMIC ACID IN ACUTE REACTION OF LEPROMATOUS LEPROSY

In twenty-two cases of lepromatous leprosy with acute reaction, flufenamic acid had a significant antipyretic effect, with an accompanying fall in the erythrocyte-sedimentation rate. Erythema nodosum leprosum subsided in 23 out of 25 episodes, and the signs and symptoms of acute leprosy iridocyclitis and neuritis were relieved. High-dosage, short, tapered courses of flufenamic acid, up to 25 mg. per kg., were the most effective, and were well tolerated. One patient given up to 28 mg. per kg. of flufenamic acid had neutropenia but 10 days after therapy, his leucocyte-count had returned to normal.