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Clofazimine

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Antibiotics Lamprene Adult, Children

Clofazimine - What is it for

Clofazimine is an antibiotic used for the treatment of certain bacterial infections. It is usually given in combination with other medications (combination therapy).

This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Clofazimine - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Clofazimine cause?

​Common side effects include:

  • Orange-pink or reddish, to brownish-black discolouration of the skin, as well, as eyes, tears, sweat, saliva, urine and stools
    • This is a normal reaction by your body to the medication. Do not be alarmed.
    • After you stop taking the medication, it should return to normal. However, it may take several months or years for the skin discolouration to return to normal. Sometimes, this may become bothersome and affects your mood, leading to thoughts of harming yourself. Please inform your doctor if this happens.
    • Avoid wearing contact lenses during treatment as this medication may stain the contact lenses.
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain
    • Take the medication after food to reduce these side effects.
  • Dry, rough or scaly skin, dry eyes and increased skin sensitivity to sunlight
    • Moisturize your skin daily.
    • Apply lubricant eye drops for dry eyes, if necessary.
    • Avoid tanning quipment and too much exposure to the sun. Use sunscreen and covered clothing if you need to be under the sun for a long period of time.

Inform your doctor if these side effects become severe and bothersome, or if you experience any other side effects.

Very rarely, this medication may cause:

  • Prolonged or severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain; passing out bloody or black stools, vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
  • Rapid, irregular or abnormal heartbeat
  • Depression (low mood) or thoughts of harming yourself

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Clofazimine , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication, including peanuts or soya (capsule may contain soybean oil).
  • You or your partner are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
    • For  women, use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 4 months after stopping the medication
    • For men, condoms should be used during intercourse and for at least 4 months after stopping the medication
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
  • You have a history of or current medical conditions such as heart disease, stomach or bowel problems and depression

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Clofazimine ?

​Some medications may affect how Clofazimine works or be affected by Clofazimine.  Please inform your other healthcare professionals about this medication which you are taking if you are seeing them for other medical conditions.

Clofazimine - Dosage and How to Use

How should Clofazimine be used?

  • ​Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
  • It is important to complete the entire course of medication, even when you start feeling better during the treatment. This ensures that the bacteria in your body is fully killed.
  • This medication should be taken after food.
  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not open the capsule.
    • Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing or if the dose required is less than the contents of an entire capsule.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

Clofazimine - Handling

How should I handle Clofazimine safely?

Clofazimine - Storage

How should I store Clofazimine ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Clofazimine safely?

​Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Clofazimine - Additional Information

  • Updated on 9/21/2021 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by Pharmacy Department KK Women's and Children's Hospital
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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