[Correlation between dose/plasma concentration and assessment of hepatic and renal changes in Wistar rats treated with the ROM scheme]

Leprosy, a chronic granulomatous infectocontagious disease transmitted by Mycobacterium leprae, continues to be prevalent today, especially in underdeveloped countries and its paucibacillary form with a single lesion is being treated with rifampicin (600mg), ofloxacin (400mg) and minocycline (100mg) administered as a single dose (ROM scheme). Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the dose/plasma concentration correlation versus biochemical changes occurring in male Wistar rats receiving a single dose of rifampicin, ofloxacin and minocycline in mono- and polytherapy. Rifampicin and ofloxacin showed an increased concentration in plasma when administered in polytherapy, whereas minocycline was reduced, probably due to interference with its biotransformation and excretion. Biochemical analyses showed that rifampicin is probably responsible for hepatic and renal changes and that the medicamentous interactions involving the drug require individualized studies, especially when the drug is associated with ofloxacin and minocycline therapy.