clofazimine + prednisone

Clofazimine + prednisone is a combination therapy used primarily in the management of leprosy, particularly for lepromatous leprosy and its complications such as erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). Clofazimine is a riminophenazine dye with both antimycobacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It acts mainly by disrupting the bacterial outer membrane of Mycobacterium leprae, inhibiting T-lymphocyte activation and proliferation, possibly through antagonism of potassium channels and modulation of prostaglandin release. Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid that exerts potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects by modulating gene expression to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines. The combination is recommended by health authorities such as the World Health Organization for ENL when thalidomide is unavailable or contraindicated. This regimen aims to control inflammation, reduce immune-mediated tissue damage, and prevent relapses in chronic or severe cases[1][2][3][5][6].