Comparison of colchicine and aspirin in the treatment of Type 2 lepra reaction

Abstract

In a double blind controlled trial, 34 episodes of acute Type 2 reactions in patients with lepromatous leprosy were treated with colchicine (1.5 mg/day x 4) and the response was compared with a similar number of episodes treated with aspirin (1.9 g/day x 4). Both drugs were found equally effective in mild degree reaction, whereas colchicine gave marginally better result in moderate degree reaction. Neither of the drugs was found useful in severe degree reaction. However, a better efficacy of colchicine was observed in the management of joint and nerve pain associated with Type 2 reaction. Minor side-effects like diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting were noted in only 1 patient while under colchicine therapy.