Clofazimine
Clofazimine (Lamprene)
Clofazimine
(kloh- FAYZ-ih-meen)
Pregnancy Category: C Lamprene (Rx)

Classification: Leprostatic

Action/Kinetics: Inhibits mycobacterial growth (is bactericidal) and binding to mycobacterial DNA in Mycobacterium leprae. Is also an anti-inflammatory by controlling erythema nodosum leprosum reactions. Cross-resistance with rifampin or dapsone is not observed. Concentrated in fatty tissues and the reticuloendothelial system. Average serum levels: 0.7 mcg/mL after 100 mg/day and 1 mcg/mL after 300 mg/day. t 1/2: 70 days. Excreted in the feces via the bile, as well as in sputum, sweat, and sebum.

Uses: Lepromatous leprosy (including dapsone-resistant leprosy and leprosy complicated by erythema nodosum leprosum). In combination with other drugs to prevent resistance in multibacillary leprosy.

Special Concerns: Use with caution in clients with abdominal pain or diarrhea. Use during lactation only if benefits outweigh risks. Safety and efficacy have not been determined in children.

Side Effects: GI: N&V;, diarrhea, abdominal or epigastric pain, GI intolerance, GI bleeding, intestinal obstruction, anorexia, constipationliver enlargement, eosinophilic enteritis, taste disorder. Dermatologic: Pink to brownish black pigmentation of skin in nearly all clients, ichthyosis, dryness of skin, pruritus, rash, erythroderma, acneiform eruptions, monilial cheilosis. Ophthalmologic: Pigmentation of conjunctiva and cornea (due to clofazimine crystals), phototoxicity, decreased vision, eye irritation, burning, itching, or dryness. CNS: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, neuralgia, fatigue, depression, giddiness. Depression due to skin discoloration. Miscellaneous: Jaundice, weight loss, hepatitis, anemia, thromboembolism bone pain, edema, cystitis, fever, vascular pain, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, hypokalemia. Discoloration of urine, feces, sweat, or sputum.

Laboratory Test Alterations: AST, serum bilirubin, albumin, blood sugar, ESR.

Overdose Management: Treatment: Gastric lavage or induction of vomiting. General supportive measures.

How Supplied: Capsule: 50 mg

Dosage
?Capsules Leprosy resistant to dapsone.
100 mg/day together with one or more other leprostatic drugs for a period of 3 years; maintenance: clofazimine alone, 100 mg/day.
Erythema nodosum leprosum.
Dosage depends on severity of symptoms, but doses greater than 200 mg/day are not recommended. Goal is 100 mg/day.