Clofazimine instructions, indications, usage and dosage, side effects

Indications: Clofazimine is used with other drugs to treat a type of leprosy (also called Hansen's disease) called leprosy, including dapsone-resistant leprosy and leprosy complicated by erythema nodosum leprosy. Leprosy is a more serious, contagious disease with widespread skin bumps and rashes (polybacillary leprosy), numbness, and muscle weakness, and may also affect body organs (e.g., nose, kidneys, male reproductive organs). Clofazimine is used with other drugs to treat a type of leprosy (also called Hansen's disease) called leprosy, including dapsone-resistant leprosy and leprosy associated with erythema nodosum leprosy. Leprosy is a more serious, contagious disease with widespread skin bumps and rashes (polybacillary leprosy), numbness, and muscle weakness, and may also affect body organs (e.g., nose, kidneys, male reproductive organs).

Usage and dosage:

Dapsone-sensitive leprosy (multibacillary) leprosy: Clofazimine 100 mg daily with food, in combination with two other antileprosy drugs for at least 2 years, if possible, until a negative skin smear is obtained, then monotherapy with an appropriate antileprosy drug.

Dapsone-resistant leprosy: 100 mg of clofazimine daily with food, in combination with one or more other antileprosy drugs for 3 years, followed by 100 mg of clofazimine daily as monotherapy.

Erythema nodosum leprosy reaction complicated by leprosy: Give clofazimine 100 mg to 200 mg daily in combination with baseline antileprosy therapy and steroids as clinically indicated. If clofazimine is administered at a dose of 200 mg, reduce the dose to 100 mg as soon as possible after the erythema nodosum reaction is controlled. Doses of clofazimine above 100 mg per day should be taken for the shortest possible time and only under close medical supervision.

Side Effects: In addition to its desired effects, medications may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects will occur, if they do occur, they may require medical attention.

Consult your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Common side effects: constipation; diarrhea; heartburn; indigestion; loss of appetite; nausea; pain or discomfort in the chest, upper abdomen, or throat; stomach pain; vomiting.

Less common side effects: blurred vision; dry mouth; dry, burning, itching, or irritation of the eyes; flushed, dry skin; fruity breath odor; increased hunger; increased thirst; increased urination; sweating; difficulty breathing; unexplained weight loss; unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare side effects: Bloody or black tarry stools; bloody or cloudy urine; bone pain; chest pain; chills; constipation; cough; dark-colored urine; decreased urine output; decreased vision; depression and suicidal thoughts secondary to skin discoloration; difficulty urinating, burning sensation or pain; fever; frequent need to urinate; general tiredness and weakness; irregular heartbeat; light-colored stools; mood changes; muscle pain or cramps; nerve pain; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips; pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves; pain Spreading to left shoulder; pale skin; seizure; severe stomach pain; severe, sudden headache; slurred speech; sore throat; sores, sores, or white spots on lips or inside mouth; stomach cramps; sudden loss of coordination; sudden severe weakness or numbness in arms or legs Wood; swelling; swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpits, or groin; difficulty breathing with exertion; unusual bleeding or bruising; pain and a feeling of fullness in the upper right abdomen; vision changes; vomiting of blood or a substance that resembles coffee grounds; yellow eyes and skin.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not require medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medication. Additionally, your doctor may be able to tell you ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Consult your doctor if any of the following side effects persist or are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them: dry, rough, or scaly skin; pink to brown-black skin discoloration; discoloration of eyes, urine, stools, saliva, sweat; itching, rash; bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste; change in taste; dizziness; drowsiness; dizziness.

Some patients may also experience other side effects not listed. If you notice any other effects, consult your healthcare professional.

Storage: Storage temperature should not be higher than 25°C (77°F). Moisture proof. Dispense in airtight containers (USP).