Clofazimine is a unique lipophilic rhimophenazine dye with antibacterial, antimycobacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunsupressive, and antituberculosis properties. It was first synthesized in 1954 by a team at Trinity College, Dublin, and was launched under the trade name Lamprene in 1969 (Novartis).
| Mechanism of Action | The mode of action for the biological activity of Clofazimine is unknown but it is thought to act on neutrophils and monocytes. |
| Spectrum | Clofazimine is active against Gram-positive bacteria including multiple drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, with little to no activity against Gram-negative bacteria. It is also active against Mycobacteria. |
| Molecular Formula | C27H22Cl2N4 |
| References |
Arbiser JL and Moschella SM (1995 Clofazimine: A Review of its medical uses and mechanisms of action." J. Am. Acad. Dermatol 32(2): 241-47 PMID 7829710 Van Rensburg CE, Jooné GK, O'Sullivan JF, Anderson R (1992) Antimicrobial activities of clofazimine and B669 are mediated by lysophospholipids. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 3612): 2729-2735 PMID 1482140 |