Clofazimine

Clofazimine is an approved oral treatment for leprosy. It is being tested in combination with other drugs as a treatment for MAI. In test-tube studies it inhibits MAI organisms.

The most common dose is one 100mg capsule daily. It should be taken with food or milk as this increases the amount of each dose that is absorbed in the gut.

In July 1996 American researchers issued a warning about the use of clofazimine in MAI treatment combinations, after a study suggested that it offered no added benefits and was associated with an increased risk of death.

The drug has been reported as causing pink-to-brownish-black skin discoloration in 75 to 100% of recipients. These changes are said to become obvious after a six-month course of therapy with 100 mg/day for MAI. It has also been associated with eye disorders, nausea, giddiness, headaches, rash and, at high doses, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Clofazimine is manufactured by Ciba Geigy and marketed under the tradename Lamprene .1

References

  1. Krop LC et al. Cutaneous disease and drug reactions in HIV infection (letter). New England Journal of Medicine 329 (21): 1582, 1993

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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.