Miltefosine, an alkylphosphocholine introduced for kala-azar in India, is notable among antileishmanial drugs because it is the first highly effective oral agent. Its most important absolute contraindication is:
- A Chronic kidney disease
- B Concurrent tuberculosis therapy
- C Pregnancy ✓
- D G6PD deficiency
Correct answer: C. Pregnancy
Explanation
Miltefosine is teratogenic in animal studies, so pregnancy is an absolute contraindication and contraception is advised during treatment and for some months afterwards. It is given orally for 28 days in visceral leishmaniasis and longer courses are used in PKDL. Nephrotoxicity, interaction with antitubercular drugs, and haemolysis in G6PD deficiency are not recognized limitations.
Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.