Evaluating the efficacy of allopurinol and meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime) in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis

Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a common disease in Iran, particularly in Kerman province. It usually occurs via the bite of an infected sandfly. Methods One hundred and fifty patients suffering from cutaneous leishmaniasis were included in this study in Kerman. The patients were randomly divided into three groups. They were matched with regard to age, sex, duration of the disease, and type, number, and site of the lesions. For each group, one of the following therapeutic methods was applied: (i) oral allopurinol (15 mg/kg/day) for 3 weeks; (ii) intramuscular injection of Glucantime (30 mg/kg/day), corresponding to 8 mg/kg/day of pentavalent antimony, for 2 weeks; (iii) combined therapy. The lesions were re-examined at the end of treatment and 2 and 4 weeks later. The response to treatment was graded as excellent (reduction in the size of the lesion by at least 80% or complete clearance), good (reduction in the size of the lesion by 50%), and poor (minimal or no change in the lesion). Results The overall results indicated that 18% of patients showed excellent response, 6% good response, and 76% poor response in the first group. In the second group, 24% of patients showed excellent response, 6% good response, and 70% poor response. In the third group, 46% of patients showed excellent response, 8% good response, and 46% poor response. Conclusions The results obtained by the three therapeutic methods indicated that combined therapy with allopurinol plus Glucantime was much more effective than that obtained by each of the two drugs when used alone (P < 0.05).