Lamprene

Lamprene is the brand name for clofazimine, a lipophilic antimycobacterial agent in the phenazine class. It has activity against Mycobacterium leprae and is used primarily in multidrug therapy for multibacillary leprosy, in combination with rifampicin and dapsone, as recommended by international guidelines. Clofazimine is also used to manage erythema nodosum leprosum, an inflammatory complication of leprosy, owing to its anti-inflammatory properties.

The drug is administered orally as part of a multidrug regimen, with dosing tailored to the form of leprosy and patient factors. Clofazimine’s tissue accumulation explains its very long half-life and the characteristic skin discoloration that can persist after treatment ends. The exact mechanism against M. leprae is not fully understood, but it is thought to interfere with bacterial DNA replication and to modulate inflammatory responses.

Common adverse effects include skin discoloration (reddish-brown to black), photosensitivity, gastrointestinal upset, and dry skin. Hair and nail discoloration can also occur. Serious adverse events are rare but may include hypersensitivity reactions and hepatotoxicity. Clofazimine is listed on the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines and is manufactured by multiple pharmaceutical companies under various brand names, including Lamprene.