Tissue distribution and deposition of clofazimine in rat following subchronic treatment with or without rifampicin.
Tissue distribution and deposition characteristics of clofazimine (CAS 2030-63-9), an antileprotic drug in rats have been investigated following controlled sub-chronic administration (p.o.) for a period of 1-2 months. The drug was administered alone at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight and in combination with rifampicin (CAS 13292-46-1) (20 mg/kg p.o.). Various tissues (liver, lung, spleen, small intestine, brain, heart, kidney, skin, stomach and subcutaneous fat) were analyzed for clofazimine in all the treated groups. High levels (range 0.9-3.6 mg/g of wet tissue) were observed in tissues having reticuloendothelial components. In other tissues the levels were relatively lower (range 3-114 micrograms/g of wet tissue). Histopathological studies revealed that clofazimine is deposited in many tissues in the form of reddish-orange crystals. Concomitant treatment with rifampicin did not significantly alter tissue distribution or deposition profile of clofazimine nor did it influence the histopathology.
D000818:Animals; D002991:Clofazimine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000633:toxicity; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D007917:Leprostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000633:toxicity; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012293:Rifampin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D004338:Drug Combinations; D007917:Leprostatic Agents; D002991:Clofazimine; D012293:Rifampin