Clofazimine

• IUPAC: 2 - (4- chloroanilino ) - 5 - (4- chlorophenyl )-3- isopropylimino 3,5- dihydrophenazine
• Latin: Clofaziminum

J04BA01

Reddish brown, fine powder, shows polymorphism

Leprosy agent

210-212 ° C

8.51

• Practically insoluble in water (0.225 mg · l-1 at 25 ° C)
• Soluble in dichloromethane, very slightly soluble in ethanol

Attention

8400 mg · kg -1 ( LD50, rat, oral)

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Clofazimine is a red dye that can be used as a drug against leprosy due to its bacteriostatic effect on Mycobacterium leprae. The commercial preparation Lamprene (s) ® is not currently available.

The application of the drug in leprosy occurs in a triple combination with rifampicin and dapsone. This resistance can be largely avoided. Clofazimine is hydrophobic and can be absorbed orally. From its chemical structure it belongs to the group of cationic amphiphilic Medikamendte (CAD).

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action is not yet fully understood. Clofazimine acts, inter alia, as FIASMA ( functional inhibitors of acid sphingomyelinase ).