Clofazimine
kloe-faz-eh-meen
What does it do?
Clofazimine is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as leprosy and tuberculosis (TB).
Before you start
- Tell your doctor if you have bowel problems.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How should you take it?
Take clofazimine regularly as directed with food and a glass of water. Keep taking it until the course is finished.
It is important to take it regularly. If you often forget to take it, it may not work as well.
What if you forget a dose?
If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.
If you are taking clofazimine in a combination pack with dapsone and rifampicin and you forget a dose, contact your health professional for further advice.
Can you take other medicines?
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.
What side effects might you notice?
| Side Effects | Recommended action |
|---|---|
|
Abdominal pain |
This may occasionally be serious; tell your doctor immediately |
|
Change in skin and eye colour (pink, red, brown, or black) |
Will return to normal after you stop taking it, but can take several months or years |
|
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea Dry eyes More sensitive to sunlight (sunburn or rash) |
Tell your doctor if troublesome |
|
Dry skin, itching, skin rash |
Moisturise your skin regularly and tell your doctor if troublesome |
|
Change in colour of body fluids e.g. urine, sweat, tears (pink, red, brown, or black) |
This is harmless. Soft contact lenses may be stained. |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
- Protect yourself from too much sunlight while being treated with clofazimine. Always cover up and apply a thick layer of broad spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30) when outside. Do not use sunbeds.
- Clofazimine is not registered for use in New Zealand. Discuss with your doctor.