More about clofazimine--3 years experience and review of literature

Local and systemic side effects of clofazimine in 514 Leprosy and 26 vitiligo patients who had taken the drug in different doses (100 mg to 300 mg daily) for variable periods of time. The commonest side effect noted was reddish brown pigmentation of skin in 77.8% patients. In an equal number of patients, ichthyotic changes on the peripheral parts of the body were noticed. GIT symptoms occurred only in 0.04% patients in the form of abdominal pain, epigastric distress, mild transient nausea and anorexia. Other minor side effects noted were reddish coloration of sweat, urine and tears. Schilling's, d-xylose tests and faecal fat excretion were near normal in the 21 patients in whom these parameters were done. No abnormality in the Jejunal mucosal biopsy was observed after therapy. No abnormality in the EKG or serum biochemistry occurred even after prolonged therapy. We found the drug to be very safe in the usual doses.