About clofazimine
Riminophenazine antimicrobial
Used for
- Treatment of leprosy, usually as part of combination therapy.
- Treatment of selected drug-resistant tuberculosis infections under specialist supervision.
Usual adult dose
Leprosy: commonly 50 mg daily plus 300 mg monthly, with other medicines. Regimens vary by disease type.
Usual dose in children
Leprosy: weight-based dosing, commonly 1 mg/kg daily plus a supervised monthly dose; specialist guidance required.
Common side effects
- Red-brown to black skin and body-fluid discoloration
- Dry, itchy skin or rash
- Abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea
- Rarely, heart rhythm problems or bowel complications
Important warnings
- Skin discoloration can persist for months or years after treatment.
- May cause QT prolongation and serious abnormal heart rhythms.
- Rarely causes intestinal inflammation or obstruction, especially with prolonged high doses.
- Use only in appropriate combination regimens to limit treatment failure and resistance.
Pregnancy
Use only when benefits outweigh risks; evidence is limited, and leprosy treatment decisions require specialist assessment.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts may enter breast milk; infant skin discoloration is possible. Consider treatment benefits and risks with a clinician.
Interactions
- Other medicines that prolong QT can increase abnormal heart rhythm risk.
- Rifampicin may lower clofazimine levels.
- Clofazimine can affect absorption of some medicines, including digoxin.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.