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molecule

Clofazimine

Molecule Description

Clofazimine is an antibiotic that is used to treat Leprosy, an infectious bacte

rial disease which affects the skin, nerves, eyes and the lining of the nose and throat.

uses

Uses of Clofazimine

  • It is used in the treatment of Leprosy, and to treat flare-ups of leprosy along with the combination of other medicines.
contraindications

Contraindications of Clofazimine

When should one not use Clofazimine

  • If you have allergy to Clofazimine or any components of the medicine
  • If you are suffering from liver, stomach, and intestinal problems
sideEffects

Side effects of Clofazimine

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Reversible skin discoloration
  • Discoloration of hair, eyes, tears, sweat, sputum, feces and urine
  • Stomach pain (feeling sick), nausea, loose motions, loss of appetite
  • Dry, rough and scaly skin, rashes and itching
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Clofazimine

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Clofazimine during pregnancy?
A:
Enough data is not available. Clofazimine has the potential to cause skin discoloration of the unborn baby and should be given in pregnancy only if other alternatives are not available.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Clofazimine while breastfeeding?
A:
Clofazimine should not be given to breastfeeding mothers as this medicine secretes in breast milk can cause skin discoloration of the baby.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Clofazimine?
A:
Clofazimine does not affect your ability to drive. But, caution is advised in the presence of side effects such as dizziness, tiredness, or decreased alertness.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Clofazimine?
A:
Interactions of Clofazimine with alcohol are not known, but Leprosy is a disease that is difficult to cure and relapses often. Alcohol delays healing and suppresses immunity, and it is advised to avoid alcohol during the treatment.
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
  • Clofazimine may make your skin more sensitive so avoid going out in direct sunlight in the afternoons, or wear protective clothing or apply sunscreen lotions
  • High doses should not be given for an extended period (more than 3 months) as it can result in intestinal problems, which can be serious
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Clofazimine

How Does It Work?

Clofazimine works by attacking the DNA (genetic material) of the disease causing bacteria and affects the multiplication of the bacteria, thus controlling Leprosy.
interactions

Interactions of Clofazimine

Interactions with other medicines

  • Some medicines which may interact with Clofazimine and need to be used with caution
  • Bedaquiline (treats TB)
  • Antacids – that reduce stomach acidity (aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide)
  • Phenytoin (for seizures)
  • Also, inform your doctor if you are taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal medicines as they may have interactions

Interactions with food items

Clofazimine has to be taken with food or milk.
dietaryRestrictions

Dietary Restrictions of Clofazimine

Do not eat oranges or drink orange juice.
dosage

Dosage of Clofazimine

Overdose

Unintentional overdose is unlikely to be harmful. But if you develop any symptoms like skin rashes, itching, stomach problems, inform your doctor.

Missed a Dose

Clofazimine is usually given once a day in combination with other medicines. Hence it is advised to take this medicine strictly without missing any dosages. If you miss taking other medicines also, yo...
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

^

Q: What causes Leprosy?

  • Leprosy iLeprosytagious (that can spread from person to person) is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium Leprae. It is a slowly developing disease, and it takes 2-6 years
  • The disease causes patches on the skin, reduced sensation, tingling and numbness, vision problems (due to nerve damage) and also damages the lining of the upper respiratory tract (nose and the throat)
  • The disease is transmitted from person to person, mostly by contact or air
  • Any skin lesions (infections) with loss of sensation and mostly associated with thickened nerve is Leprosy
  • There are broadly two types of Leprosy – Lepromatous Leprosy (or Multibacillary Leprosy) where the bacterial load is high and Tuberculoid (or Leprobacillary) Leprosy where the bacterial load is low
  • Leprosy is not a very common disease nowadays, with less than 10,000 cases worldwide

Q: Does Clofazimine cure Leprosy?

  • Leprosy is a curable disease, but it requires treatment with multiple medicines. Any single medicine cannot cure Leprosy, and a combination of medicines has to be given
  • The preferred combination is Rifampicin, Clofazimine, and Dapsone
  • Clofazimine is given in conjunction with other medicines for the treatment of Lepromatous Leprosy (or Multibacillary Leprosy), in mild or severe forms
  • In many cases, Leprosy can be cured, and the duration of treatment can vary between 6-12 months
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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