Adult Dosing
Erythema nodosum leprosum
- 100-200 mg PO qd x 3 months
- Max: 200 mg/day
- Taper dose to 100 mg PO qd after the reactive episode is controlled
Note:
- Dose should be given with meals and in combination with antileprosy agents to prevent emergence of drug resistance
Dapsone-resistant leprosy
- 100 mg PO qd in combination with one or more antileprosy drugs x 3 yrs
Dapsone-sensitive multibacillary leprosy
- 100 mg PO qd in combination with two other antileprosy drugs for at least 2 years
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established
[Outline]
- Death following severe abdominal symptoms has been reported with the use of clofazimine
- Rare cases of splenic infarction, bowel obstruction, and gastrointestinal bleeding have been reported in patients receiving clofazimine
- Use cautiously in patients with GI problems such as abdominal pain and diarrhea
- Daily doses of more then 100 mg should be given for shorter period of time with close medical supervision
- Consider a decrease in dose or an increased interval between doses, if patient experiences colicky or burning pain in abdomen; nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Advise patient to apply oil in case of skin dryness and ichthyosis
Caution: Use cautiously in
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Clofazimine appears in milk in relatively large amounts. Milk can be colored pink by the drug and breastfed infant's skin can be discolored. No serious or permanent toxicity has been reported in breastfed infants; however, an alternate drug might be considered. This information is based upon LactMed database (available at http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT last accessed 17 May 2011). Manufacturer recommends avoiding use of drug in nursing women unless clearly indicated.
