Classes
DAE Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Halfan
- Antimalarials
Description
Halofantrine (HCl) is a phenanthreneSmethanol compound. Halofantrine (HCl) is antimalarial agent. Halofantrine (HCl) is effective against asexual forms of the plasmodium in the blood stream. its use is restricted to the treatment of infection with chloroquine and multidrug resistant Plasmodium falciparum.
Indications
- Halofantrine (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Chloroquine resistant malaria, Malaria caused by plasmodium falciparum, Malaria caused by plasmodium vivax.
Contraindications
Adverse Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Halofantrine (HCl), which give rise to further complications include Ventricular arrhythmia.
Halofantrine (HCl) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Acute intravenous, haemolysis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Halofantrine (HCl) therapy.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Halofantrine (HCl) include Q.T interval prolongation.
The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Halofantrine (HCl) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Skin rashes, Pruritus, Pain, Skin rashes.
Warnings
Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, and Neonates.
It should be avoided inpregnancy & breast feeding.The drug has been shows to produce a dose related prolongation of the QTc interval, even at the recommended dosage , this is usually reversible during 3-4 days. Therefore, this drug is not recommended in pateints, with known QTc prolongation, receiving drugs or having clinical conditions known to prolong QTc interval, with ventricular arrhythmias, sometimes associated with death. Because of the dose-related nature of the effect on the Qtc interval, caution should be taken to avoid increased blood levels that may be associated with higher than recommended doses or increased absorption with fatty foods. It is essential to avoid fatty foods for 24 hrs. It should be not be taken on a full stomach. This increases its bioavailability & risk of toxicity. Fatty food should be avoid 24 hours.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Halofantrine; it is unknown how it would affect a fetus. It is unknown if Halofantrine passes into breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, breastfeeding is not recommended while using Halofantrine.
Maximum Dosage
Adult
500 mg-500 (500)-8 hourly-PO-Or 1500mg divided into 3 doses given at 6 Hourly intervals Empty stomach
Pediatric
8 mg/kg-8 (8)-As recommended.-Oral-6 Hourly for 3 Doses
Neonatal
No data regarding the neonatal dosage
How supplied
Halofantrine (HCl)