ADAP drugs: clofazimine

clofazimine (Lamprene)

Drug description

Note: a recent study has called into question the role of clofazimine in treating MAC.

A number of different drugs are being tried for prevention and maintenance treatment of MAC. MAC is related to tuberculosis (TB), but no one TB drug works against MAC. Maintenance therapy after an episode of MAC is now routine, though it is not known which of the existing treatments is most effective. Multidrug therapy reduces mycobacterial colony counts in the blood and leads to clinical improvement, especially the reduction of fever. Clofazimine is one of the combination of drugs used to treat MAC. Recent Public Health Service recommendations suggest either clarithromycin or azithromycin as the first line treatment for MAC, along with at least one other drug, usually ethambutol and one of the following: clofazimine, ciprofloxacin, or rifabutin.

Side effects
Because drugs are used in combination, side effects can be due to the different drugs and how you tolerate them together, so it is difficult to predict in advance what combination of drugs will be tolerated. Side effects can be gradual skin discoloration and intestinal problems.

Dosage
Clofazimine comes in 50 mg and 100 mg capsules. Capsules should be taken with food. Adults take 100 mg every 8 hours. Total daily dosage should not exceed 300 mg.

How long it may take to work
Variations in response depend on the state of your general health and immune system, the strain of MAC you are infected with, and the ability to tolerate a combination of drugs. The decision about what drug to take must partly be based on how sick you are and whether treatment has a chance of improving your quality of life. If you have clinical symptoms but a relatively well-functioning liver and kidneys, you will respond best to treatment. Treatment usually helps within 2 to 4 weeks. If it does work, ongoing suppressive maintenance treatment is necessary. Maintenance treatment means you keep taking the drug to control an infection so that you don't become ill.

Managing side effects
Clofazimine should be taken with food in order to minimize side effects.
Note: Clofazimine should not be used in salvage or treatment therapy for disseminated MAC. See In the News.

This information is specific to the use of this medication for HIV-related conditions. For additional information about this drug for other conditions, refer to: www.nursespdr.com/ and www.healthanswers.com/Library/library_fset.asp

The drug descriptions on these pages are intended for informational purposes only. The Network does not promote or endorse the use of any specific treatment for any health-related condition. The medications described here can only be dispensed by a licensed health care professional. The information may have changed since these pages were updated, though every effort is made to keep these pages current. Please contact The Network at (800) 734-7104 to make sure you have the most up-to-date information

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