Clofazimine
Also known as: Lamprene, Clofozine, Hansepran, Lamcoin, Lampren
**Administration:** * Unless otherwise instructed, give this medication **with food** to increase absorption and reduce stomach upset. **Important Warnings:** > **Discoloration:** This medication is a dye. It will likely cause your animal's skin to turn color (usually pink, but can range from red to orange to brown). It may also cause discoloring of tears, urine, feces, and other body fluids to a brownish-black color. * This discoloration is a normal, expected effect of the drug and is not harmful, but it can stain fabrics and may persist for many months after therapy is concluded. **Treatment Duration:** * Treatment for mycobacterial infections is very long (often months). Do not stop the medication early unless directed by your veterinarian, even if your pet seems better.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Avian mycobacteriosis
- Avian mycobacteriosis (recommended regime for raptors)
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) as part of a multi-drug regimen
- M. avium intracellularae complex infections, leprosy, or opportunistic mycobacteriosis
- Mycobacterial infections
- Treatment of feline leprosy
- Treatment of localized atypical mycobacterial infections
- M. avium intracellularae complex infections, leprosy or opportunistic mycobacteriosis
- Mycobacterial infections (including feline leprosy)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Skin, eye, and body fluid discoloration (pink to brownish-black)
- Gastrointestinal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (dose-limiting)
- Hepatotoxicity (reported in a dog receiving concurrent rifampin)
- Photosensitization (reported in a cat)
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Discoloration of skin, eyes, and body fluids (red-brown/orange)
- Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Photosensitization
Cautions & contraindications
- Use with caution in patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions (diarrhea, abdominal pain)
- Known hypersensitivity to clofazimine
- Use with caution in patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhea or abdominal pain. The drug is highly lipophilic and has an extremely long half-life, meaning adverse effects (like skin discoloration) can persist for months to years after discontinuation. It may be difficult to obtain and accurately dose for small animals.
Drug interactions
- Isoniazid: May reduce clofazimine levels in the skin and increase amounts in plasma and urine; clinical significance is unclear.
- Dapsone: May reduce the anti-inflammatory effects of clofazimine; clinical significance is unclear.
Frequently asked questions
What is Clofazimine used for in pets?
**Administration:** * Unless otherwise instructed, give this medication **with food** to increase absorption and reduce stomach upset. **Important Warnings:** > **Discoloration:** This medication is a dye. It will likely cause your animal's skin to turn color (usually pink, but can range from red to orange to brown). It may also cause discoloring of tears, urine, feces, and other body fluids to a brownish-black color. * This discoloration is a normal, expected effect of the drug and is not harmful, but it can stain fabrics and may persist for many months after therapy is concluded. **Treatment Duration:** * Treatment for mycobacterial infections is very long (often months). Do not stop the medication early unless directed by your veterinarian, even if your pet seems better.
Is Clofazimine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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