Leprosy: clofazimine: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Dermatology · Leprosy: clofazimine

Sample item

Which adverse effect of clofazimine commonly worries patients on multibacillary therapy?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Reddish-brown skin discolouration and ichthyosis

Clofazimine is a lipophilic riminophenazine dye that causes reddish-black pigmentation of the skin and ichthyosis, which fade slowly after stopping. It also has an anti-inflammatory action useful in erythema nodosum leprosum.

Option by option

  • A. Gynaecomastia

    Gynaecomastia is associated with spironolactone and ketoconazole.

  • B. Reddish-brown skin discolouration and ichthyosis (correct)

    Correct. Pigmentation and ichthyosis are typical.

  • C. Optic neuritis

    Optic neuritis is associated with ethambutol.

  • D. Ototoxicity

    Ototoxicity is typical of aminoglycosides.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is B, Reddish-brown skin discolouration and ichthyosis. Clofazimine is a lipophilic riminophenazine dye that causes reddish-black pigmentation of the skin and ichthyosis, which fade slowly after stopping.

Why is "Gynaecomastia" not the answer?

Gynaecomastia is associated with spironolactone and ketoconazole.

Why is "Optic neuritis" not the answer?

Optic neuritis is associated with ethambutol.

Why is "Ototoxicity" not the answer?

Ototoxicity is typical of aminoglycosides.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Leprosy: clofazimine in Dermatology. It also has an anti-inflammatory action useful in erythema nodosum leprosum.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Leprosy: clofazimine?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.