Leprosy: thalidomide in reactions: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Leprosy: thalidomide in reactions

Sample item

A man with lepromatous leprosy has recurrent tender erythematous nodules with fever. Which drug is very effective but absolutely contraindicated in women of childbearing potential?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Thalidomide

Thalidomide inhibits TNF-alpha and rapidly controls erythema nodosum leprosum, but it is teratogenic and causes phocomelia and neuropathy. Corticosteroids and clofazimine are alternatives, and MDT is continued.

Option by option

  • A. Rifampicin

    Rifampicin is part of standard therapy and not contraindicated.

  • B. Clofazimine

    Clofazimine can be used in pregnancy-related disease with caution but is not the classic teratogen.

  • C. Dapsone

    Dapsone is not contraindicated for teratogenicity.

  • D. Thalidomide (correct)

    Correct. Thalidomide is strongly teratogenic.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, Thalidomide. Thalidomide inhibits TNF-alpha and rapidly controls erythema nodosum leprosum, but it is teratogenic and causes phocomelia and neuropathy.

Why is "Rifampicin" not the answer?

Rifampicin is part of standard therapy and not contraindicated.

Why is "Clofazimine" not the answer?

Clofazimine can be used in pregnancy-related disease with caution but is not the classic teratogen.

Why is "Dapsone" not the answer?

Dapsone is not contraindicated for teratogenicity.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Leprosy: thalidomide in reactions in Dermatology. Corticosteroids and clofazimine are alternatives, and MDT is continued.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Leprosy: thalidomide in reactions?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.