Antileprosy drugs refer to the medications used to treat leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects the skin and nerves of people. The goal of antileprosy therapy is to stop or slow down the progression of the disease, prevent the development of complications, and reduce transmission of the bacteria from person to person.

There are several classes of drugs used for the treatment of leprosy, including antibiotics, immunomodulators, and anti-inflammatory agents. The most commonly used drugs are as follows:

1. Dapsone: It is a sulfone drug that inhibits the growth of the bacteria by interfering with their metabolism. It is used in the treatment of paucibacillary leprosy.

2. Rifampicin: It is an antibiotic that acts by inhibiting RNA synthesis in the bacteria. It is used to treat both paucibacillary and multibacillary leprosy.

3. Clofazimine: It is a riminophenazine dye that has both bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in the treatment of multibacillary leprosy.

4. Ofloxacin: It is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that inhibits DNA synthesis in the bacteria. It is used in the treatment of multidrug-resistant leprosy.

5. Minocycline: It is a tetracycline antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis in the bacteria. It is used in the treatment of multibacillary leprosy.

The treatment of leprosy usually involves a combination of two or more drugs, depending on the type and severity of the disease. The duration of treatment can range from 6 months to 2 years or more, depending on the extent of the infection and the response to therapy. Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential to ensure that the medications are effective, and no adverse effects occur.