Clofazimine

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Molecule Description

Clofazimine is an antibiotic that is used to treat Leprosy, an infectious bacterial disease which affects the skin, nerves, eyes and the lining of the nose and throat.

Uses

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

Contraindications

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

Side effects

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

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

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.

Breast Feeding

Clofazimine should not be given to breastfeeding mothers as this medicine secretes in breast milk can cause skin discoloration of the baby.

Driving

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

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.

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

Mode of Action

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 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.

Dietary Restrictions

Do not eat oranges or drink orange juice.

Dosage

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, you may take them together when you remember. Do not have two doses close to each other or take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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 yearsThe 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 airAny skin lesions (infections) with loss of sensation and mostly associated with thickened nerve is LeprosyThere 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 lowLeprosy is not a very common disease nowadays, with less than 10,000 cases worldwide

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 givenThe preferred combination is Rifampicin, Clofazimine, and DapsoneClofazimine is given in conjunction with other medicines for the treatment of Lepromatous Leprosy (or Multibacillary Leprosy), in mild or severe formsIn many cases, Leprosy can be cured, and the duration of treatment can vary between 6-12 months

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