Halofantrine (HCl)

Halofantrine (HCl) is a phenanthrenemethanol compound. Halofantrine (HCl) is antimalarial agent. Halofantrine (HCl) is effective against asexual forms of the plasmodium in the blood stream. It's use is restricted to the treatment of infection with chloroquine and multidrug resistant Plasmodium falciparum.

Halofantrine (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Chloroquine resistant malaria, Malaria caused by plasmodium falciparum, Malaria caused by plasmodium vivax.

Halofantrine (HCl) is contraindicated in conditions like Cardiac arrhythmia, Hypersensitivity.

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.

It should be avoided in pregnancy & 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 patients, 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.

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, and Neonates. If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.

500 mg (500 (500)) 8 hourly PO — Or 1500mg divided into 3 doses given at 6 Hourly intervals

8 mg/kg (8 (8)) As recommended. Oral — 6 Hourly for 3 Doses

No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.

Halofantrine (HCl) is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementAmiodarone (HCl)ArtemisininAstemizoleAstemizoleHalofantrine cause prolongation of QT interval. This condition may be exacerbated when astemizole is given concomitantly may lead to increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia.MajorCoadminitration is considered contraindicated.Perform an ECG before starting therapy with halofantrine and closely monitor cardiac rhythm during and for 8-12 hours after completion of therapy.BendrofluazideChloroquineChloroquineChlorothiazideChlorthalidoneCisaprideDisopyramideFlecainide (Acetate)HydrochlorothiazideMefloquine (HCl)Combination of halofantrine and mefloquine can result in high risk of ventricular arrhythmias due to dose related prolongation of QT interval.MajorTake ECG before starting halofantrine and monitor cardiac rhythm for 8 to 12 hours after completion of therapy.Procainamide (HCl)QuinidineQuinineQuinineCombination of halofantrine and quinine can result in high risk of ventricular arrhythmias due to dose related prolongation of QT interval.MajorTake ECG before starting halofantrine and monitor cardiac rhythm for 8 to 12 hours after completion of therapy.QuinineSotalol (HCl)TerfenadineVORICONAZOLEVoriconazole may increase the serum concentration of halofantrine by decreasing its metabolism Concomitant therapy should be avoided These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Tab Store at room temperature, Below 30°C. Protect from Sunlight.