HALOFANTRINE HCL

Indications & Dose:

Treatment  of uncomplicated chloroquine resistant falciparum malaria or of chloroquine resistant vivax malaria. 

Contraindications:

Cardiac disorders including family history of congenital QT interval. Halofantrine prolongs QT interval and has a potential for inducing hazardous arrhythmia in susceptible individuals, especially if dose excessive or if the dose is taken with food since food enhances the absorption of halofantrine. DOSE Adult and more than 40 kg A total 1500mg (Six tablet) given as 500mg at 6 hourly interval on an empty stomach. The course may be repeated  after an interval of one week. Children 24mg/kg body given as 8mg/kg body at six hourly interval.  In case when the pt has no previous exposure to malaria as second course of therapy is recommended one week after the first course. Treatment of malaria: 8mg/kg body weight 6 hourly interval, total 3 doses. Weight kg Dosage 10-12 1 x 5 ml dose of suspension every 6 hours to a total of 3 doses 13-18 1 x 7.5ml dose of suspension every 6 hours to a total of 3 doses 19-25 1 x 10ml dose of suspension every 6 hours to a total of 3 doses 26-31 1 x 250mg tablet dose every 6 hours to a total of 3 doses 32-401.5 x 250mg tablet dose every 6 hours to a total of 3 doses Not recommended for children under 37kg.Over 37kg same as adult dose

Side Effects:

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, pruritus, skin rash, intravascular hemolysis, transient elevation of serum transaminases and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. Ventricular arrhythmia 

Cautions:

No experience of use in cerebral or complicated malaria, cardiac disease (arrythmias: Halofantrine prolong QT internal) should not be taken with meals or drugs which may induce arrythemias (chloroquine, mefloquine, quinine tricyclic antidepressant, antipsychotic, astemazole, terfandine) 

Precautions:

 Complicated malaria, cerebral malaria. Should not be taken with meals. 

Interaction:

Drugs

Antiarrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, other antimalarial, phenothiazines, beta-blockers, diuretics all increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia 

Warnings:

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Lactations:

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Counselling:

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Patient And Carer Advice: