Leflunomide
Leflunomide is an oral disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. It works by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme essential for pyrimidine synthesis, which in turn limits the proliferation of autoimmune T-lymphocytes responsible for joint inflammation.
Dosage by Body Weight
For adults, therapy is sometimes initiated with a loading dose of 100 mg once daily for 3 days, followed by a maintenance dose of 10 mg to 20 mg once daily. Due to risk of side effects like hepatotoxicity, many clinicians omit the loading dose and start directly with the maintenance dose of 10 mg to 20 mg daily.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in infants or pediatric patients in this weight range.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Leflunomide is not indicated or routinely used for patients in this weight bracket.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Avoid use unless specifically prescribed and monitored by a pediatric rheumatologist.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Not routinely prescribed
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Pediatric dosing for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is highly specialized and not standard for weights below 15 kg.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 10 mg every other day (off-label)
- Frequency
- Once every 2 days
- Tracking Notes
- For pediatric patients with JIA weighing under 20 kg, dosing should only be initiated and strictly monitored by a specialist.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established in infants or pediatric patients in this weight range. |
| 5-7 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Leflunomide is not indicated or routinely used for patients in this weight bracket. |
| 8-10 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Avoid use unless specifically prescribed and monitored by a pediatric rheumatologist. |
| 11-15 kg | Not routinely prescribed | N/A | Pediatric dosing for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is highly specialized and not standard for weights below 15 kg. |
| 16-20 kg | 10 mg every other day (off-label) | Once every 2 days | For pediatric patients with JIA weighing under 20 kg, dosing should only be initiated and strictly monitored by a specialist. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to treat active moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis and active psoriatic arthritis to reduce joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness, and to slow down structural joint damage.
Generic Name
LeflunomideBranded Drug Names
Leflunomide is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.