Clofazimine Data - Uses, Dosage, Drug class, Brand name, Warnings, etc

Pharmacology	Clofazimine is a lipophilic rhimophenazine dye. Approved for treating leprosy; also used for atypical Mycobacterium infections, discoid lupus erythematosus, and pyoderma gangrenosum.
Adult Dosage	*PO for leprosy, Mycobacterium avium* complex infections, discoid lupus erythematosus: - 100 mg/day with food PO for erythema nodosum leprosum: - Up to 200 mg/day PO for pyoderma gangrenosum:** - 300–400 mg/day (induces remission) - Manufacturer advises against doses >200 mg/day
Pediatric Dosage	PO for leprosy: - 1 mg/kg/day *PO for Mycobacterium avium* complex:** - 1–2 mg/kg/day
Dosage Forms	- Capsule: 50 mg
Pharmacokinetics	Bioavailability: - ~50% Peak Serum Concentration: - 0.5–2 mg/L (1–4 µmol/L) 2 hr post 100–200 mg dose (adequate absorption) Distribution: - Accumulates in fatty tissues and reticuloendothelial system Elimination Half-life: - ~70 days
Adverse Reactions	Frequent: - Red to brownish-black discoloration of bodily secretions, skin, conjunctivae, cornea, urine, feces - Orange-pink skin discoloration (common, reversible, may persist months to years) Dose-related: - GI pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (due to crystalline deposits in GI tissue) Rare (doses >100 mg/day): - Eosinophilic enteritis, splenic infarction