Clofazimine (Clo)

Clofazimine is a dye with leprostatic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is specifically used to treat multibacillary leprosy and erythema nodosum leprosum. Used as a component of multi-drug therapy of leprosy.

When the drug is used alone, its clinical response is slower than that of dapsone, and resistance develops in 1 to 3 years.

Mechanism of action.

• Interferes with the template function of DNA in M.leprae. Alters the membrane structure and its transport function.
• Disruption of the mitochondrial electron transport chain.

Pharmacokinetics.

• Orally active, and 40–70% is absorbed.
• It accumulates in the macrophages and gets deposited in tissues, including subcutaneous fat, as needle-shaped crystals.
• However, its entry into CSF is poor.
• The half-life is 70 days, so intermittent therapy is possible.

Adverse effects

a) Skin

• Reddish-black discolouration of the skin, especially on exposed parts.
• Discolouration of hair and body secretions also occur.
• Dryness of the skin and itching
• Acneform eruptions and phototoxicity occur.
• Conjunctival pigmentation.

b) GIT

• Nausea, anorexia, weight loss, abdominal pain, and enteritis with intermittent loose stools.

Contraindication.

• The drug should be avoided during early pregnancy and in patients with liver or kidney damage.

Dosage.

CLOFOZINE, HANSEPRAN 50, 100 mg capsules.