Clofazimine
About Clofazimine
Clofazimine is used to treat Leprosy (infectious disease-causing skin lesions and nerve damage). Leprosy, commonly known as Hansen's disease, is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which is a chronic infectious disease. The illness mostly affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory system, and the eyes. Leprosy can affect anyone at any age, from infancy to old age.
Clofazimine is the active component in Clofazimine. It works by inhibiting the growth of disease-causing organisms (Mycobacterium) in the body. Thus, Clofazimine aids in the treatment of Leprosy.
Take Clofazimine daily at the same time to ensure better efficacy. The dose and duration of Clofazimine can vary depending on your condition and the severity of the infection. In some situations, you may experience symptoms such as stomach and epigastric pain, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. These negative impacts do not necessitate medical treatment and will gradually subside. However, if you are experiencing these undesirable effects frequently, you should consult your doctor.
Continue using Clofazimine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it to treat your illness effectively. Please inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic response to this drug before beginning treatment with Clofazimine. Clofazimine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or reduced alertness. Therefore, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert after taking Clofazimine. If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Clofazimine. Do not use Clofazimine in more than specified doses or for an extended time. Before taking Clofazimine, inform your doctor about your medical history and any other medications you currently use to rule out possible side effects.
Uses of Clofazimine
Medicinal Benefits
Clofazimine contains Clofazimine, an antileprotic drug used in treating Leprosy in conjunction with other medications. It works by preventing the growth of disease-causing pathogens in the body. Thus, it aids in the treatment of Leprosy. The doctor may prescribe Clofazimine to treat various bacterial infections due to Mycobacterium.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Clofazimine
Stomach pain
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Drug Warnings
Please inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic response to this drug before beginning treatment with Clofazimine. Clofazimine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or reduced alertness. Therefore, drive or operate machinery only if you are alert after taking Clofazimine. If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Clofazimine. Do not use Clofazimine in more than specified doses or for an extended time. Before taking Clofazimine, inform your doctor about your medical history and any other medications you currently use to rule out possible side effects. Sun lamps should be avoided. Clofazimine may increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight or sunlamps. Therefore, wear protective clothing when exposed to direct sunlight and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Clofazimine may interact with antibiotics (e.g. azithromycin, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim) and antacids (e.g. aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Brief your doctor if you have a medical history of allergic reactions to medicines, GI effects, or renal dysfunction before taking Clofazimine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether Clofazimine interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor; there has been no significant research on the use of Clofazimine in pregnant women.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor; there has been no significant research on the use of Clofazimine in breastfeeding/nursing moms.
Driving
cautionClofazimine can occasionally cause dizziness/drowsiness. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Clofazimine.
Liver
cautionRarely, Clofazimine may cause liver damage. Caution should be exercised while using Clofazimine in patients with severe liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding using Clofazimine in patients with kidney impairment. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
cautionClofazimine should be used with caution in children, only when prescribed by a child specialist.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Eat foods rich in quercetin (a flavonoid), such as apples, cherries, broccoli, spinach and blueberries.
Consuming food rich in probiotics helps develop the immune system against allergies.
Limit intake of food that might trigger allergies, such as dairy products, soy, eggs and nuts.
Avoid consuming foods with excess sugar, as it may flare up inflammation.
Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fish in your diet.
Reducing stress and maintaining a good sleep cycle would be helpful.
Avoid getting in contact with harsh soaps, detergents and rough fabrics.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Leprosy: Leprosy, commonly known as Hansen's disease, is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is a chronic infectious disease that mostly affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory system, and the eyes. Leprosy can affect anyone at any age, from infancy to old age.
FAQs
Clofazimine is used to treat Leprosy (infectious disease-causing skin lesions and nerve damage).
Clofazimine works by preventing the growth of disease-causing pathogens in the body. Thus, it aids in the treatment of Leprosy.
To treat your illness effectively, continue taking Clofazimine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Talk to the doctor if you have any concerns.
The common side effects of Clofazimine include stomach and epigastric pain, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. If you are experiencing these side effects frequently, please consult your doctor.
Clofazimine may cause skin discoloration within a few weeks of use, ranging from orange-pink to brownish-black. This discoloration is generally reversible after stopping the medication, but it may take several months or even years for the skin to return to its normal appearance. If the skin discoloration significantly affects your mood or causes distress, please consult your doctor immediately.
Clofazimine should not be used by individuals who are allergic to any of its ingredients. It should also be avoided by patients with severe liver or kidney dysfunction, as it may worsen these conditions.
Clofazimine is generally safe when used at the dose and for the duration prescribed by your doctor. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms after taking Clofazimine, please report them to your doctor.
If you forget to take a dose of Clofazimine, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
