General Information on Lamprene
The generic name of Lamprene is Clofazimine, which is a fat-soluble riminophenazine dye used in multidrug therapy (MDT) along with dapsone and rifampicin for leprosy treatment. Clofazimine has anti-inflammatory properties and is thus able to control reactions like erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). You can buy Lamprene from any pharmacy if you have a doctor’s prescription. Some of the inactive ingredients in Lamprene include propylene glycol, butylated hydroxytoluene, beeswax, p-methoxy acetophenone, ethyl vanillin, plant oils, gelatin, parabens, lecithin, iron oxide, glycerin, and citric acid. Clofazimine is primarily prescribed to patients suffering from multibacillary leprosy, although it is also given to patients who have myocobacterial infections, pyoderma gangrenosum, severe acne, discoid lupus erythematosus, rhinoscleroma, and necrobiosis lipoidica.
Side effects of Lamprene
The administration of Lamprene in clinical trials has resulted in several side effects, most of which are mild in nature. Adverse reactions can be seen in almost 1% of all cases, and these reactions can be related to the skin, eyes, or intestines. Some of the side effects and their symptoms include a change in skin color or skin pigmentation from pink to brownish black, dry skin, ichthyosis, pruritus, and rashes. Epigastric and abdominal pain are also quite common, and visible gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal intolerance.
Lamprene can affect the ocular system when taken orally, and common symptoms include itching, irritation, and burning in the eye, corneal pigmentation, dry eyes, and conjunctival pigmentation. If the symptoms are not treated early, a patient may suffer from poor vision or partial blindness.
Some of the other side effects of Lamprene include monilial cheilosis, erythroderma, anorexia, jaundice, constipation, bowel obstruction, weight loss, fatigue, neuralgia, discoloration of the urine, change in taste, discoloration of the feces, elevated blood sugar levels and ESR, serum bilirubin, eosinophilia, anemia, hypokalemia, thromboembolism, and vascular and bone pain.
Precautions
Clinical tests have revealed that Clofazimine, the active ingredient, crosses the placenta and is thus harmful for a developing fetus. If you are pregnant, then it is advisable to discuss the effects of the medication on the baby before you go ahead and buy Lamprene. Clofazimine also passes into breast milk, and as such, Lamprene must be avoided if you are breastfeeding. If you are allergic to Clofazamine, soya, peanuts, or any other ingredient in Lamprene, your doctor needs to be informed before he/she prescribes the drug. Last but not least, check the expiry date of the drug before buying it.
Lamprene Dosage
Lamprene is available in the form of 50mg and 100mg gelatin capsules and should be taken along with meals. Most doctors would advise that a patient take Lamprene along with one or more anti-leprosy agents like dapsone. The starting dose is normally Lamprene 100mg once daily for 3 months. For the treatment of multibacillary leprosy, doctors recommend Lamprene 50mg once a day along with Rifampicin 600mg once a month and Dapsone 100mg once a day. Depending on the patient and nature of his/her medical condition, Lamprene treatment can last for 2-3 years. The recommended dose for patients suffering from erythema nodosum leprosum reactions is Lamprene 100mg or 200mg daily for up to 3 months.
Interactions
Lamprene is not known to interact with Dapsone or any other drugs that are used in multidrug therapy.
