| U.S. Brand Names |
| Halfan® |
 |
| Generic Available |
|
No |
|
| Synonyms |
| Halofantrine Hydrochloride |
|
| Pharmacological Index |
|
Antimalarial Agent |
|
| Use |
|
Treatment of mild to moderate acute malaria caused by susceptible strains of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax |
|
| Pregnancy Risk Factor |
|
X |
|
| Contraindications |
|
Family history of congenital Q-Tc prolongation; hypersensitivity to halofantrine |
|
| Warnings/Precautions |
|
Monitor closely for decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin, patients with chronic liver disease |
|
| Adverse Reactions |
|
>10%: Dermatologic: Pruritus 1% to 10%: Cardiovascular: Edema Central nervous system: Malaise, headache Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting Hematologic: Leukocytosis Hepatic: Elevated LFTs Local: Tenderness Neuromuscular & skeletal: Myalgia Respiratory: Cough Miscellaneous: Lymphadenopathy <1%: Tachycardia, hypotension, urticaria, hypoglycemia, sterile abscesses, asthma, anaphylactic shock |
|
| Drug Interactions |
|
CYP2D6 and 3A3/4 enzyme substrate |
|
| Mechanism of Action |
|
Similar to mefloquine; destruction of asexual blood forms, possible inhibition of proton pump |
|
| Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics |
|
Mean time to parasite clearance: 40-84 hours Absorption: Erratic and variable; serum levels are proportional to dose up to 1000 mg; doses greater than this should be divided; may be increased 60% with high fat meals Distribution: Vd: 570 L/kg; widely distributed in most tissues Metabolism: To active metabolite in liver Half-life: 23 hours; metabolite: 82 hours; may be increased in active disease Elimination: Essentially unchanged in urine |
|
| Usual Dosage |
|
Oral: Adults: 500 mg every 6 hours for 3 doses; repeat in 1 week |
|
| Monitoring Parameters |
|
CBC, LFTs, parasite counts |
|
| Test Interactions |
|
Increased serum transaminases, bilirubin |
|
| Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status |
|
May cause drowsiness |
|
| Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment |
|
None reported |
|
| Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions |
|
No information available to require special precautions |
|
| Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment |
|
No effects or complications reported |
|
| Patient Information |
|
Take on an empty stomach; avoid high fat meals; notify physician of persistent nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, light stools, dark urine |
|
| Nursing Implications |
|
Monitor closely for jaundice, other signs of hepatotoxicity |
|
| Dosage Forms |
|
Tablet, as hydrochloride: 250 mg |
|
| References |
|
White NJ, "The Treatment of Malaria," N Engl J Med, 1996, 335(11):800-6. |
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