Thalidomide is highly effective in controlling severe erythema nodosum leprosum. Its use is absolutely contraindicated in which group of patients?
- A Adolescent males with recurrent ENL
- B Patients with concurrent peripheral neuritis
- C Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant while on therapy ✓
- D Patients receiving corticosteroids
Correct answer: C. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant while on therapy
Explanation
Thalidomide is a potent human teratogen causing phocomelia and other severe congenital malformations, so it is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy and requires strict contraception in women of childbearing potential. Its major non-teratogenic toxicity is a sensory peripheral neuropathy, which is a reason for caution and monitoring rather than absolute prohibition in this context. Corticosteroids can be safely combined with thalidomide, and sex does not restrict its use beyond pregnancy risk.
Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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