This medication is used to treat a mild to moderate parasite infection of the red blood cells (malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum or P. vivax). Another drug may be used with halofantrine for some forms of malaria. Halofantrine belongs to a class of drugs known as antimalarials. It works by killing the form of the malaria parasite that infects the red blood cells.
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Halofantrine
Uses
This medication is used to treat a mild to moderate parasite infection of the red blood cells (malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum or P. vivax). Another drug may be used with halofantrine for some forms of malaria. Halofantrine belongs to a class of drugs known as antimalarials. It works by killing the form of the malaria parasite that infects the red blood cells. Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., EKG, liver/kidney function blood tests, blood potassium level) may be performed before you start this medication.
- You may have your EKG monitored during and for up to 12 hours after completing each treatment step.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: persistent or severe vomiting, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, sudden pounding heartbeat.
How
To Use - Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Take it by mouth without food (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating).
- Do not take with food because doing so may cause increased side effects.If you have never had malaria before, halofantrine is usually given in 2 treatment steps.
- For the first step, 3 doses are usually taken every 6 hours.
- Seven days later, this procedure is repeated.
- If you have lived in a malaria area most of your life and have had a recent attack of malaria, your doctor may not direct you to take the second step of treatment.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level.
- Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals during each treatment step.
- To help you remember, set a timer for every 6 hours.
- If your doctor directs you to take a second treatment step, mark a calendar to help you remember to start it.Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed.
- Do not stop taking it before completing this prescription unless directed to do so by your doctor, even if you feel better.
- Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of parasite to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens during or after the first treatment step.
- If you get a fever after completing treatment, contact your doctor so that he/she can determine if the malaria has returned.
Side
Effects - See also Warning section.Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness may occur.
- If vomiting is persistent and you are not able to keep this medicine down, contact your doctor immediately for a different medication.
- Less common side effects may include weakness, bloating, constipation, vision changes, sleep problems, and ringing in the ears.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness when getting up from a sitting or lying position, mouth sores, joint aches, back pain, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, depression), urinating more often, tingling hands/feet.Tell your doctor immediately if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: chest pain, sudden pounding heartbeat, fainting, seizure.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking halofantrine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a family history of prolonged QT interval in the EKG (see also Warning section).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems.This drug may make you dizzy.
- Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially the heart effects.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Due to the possibility of severe side effects in your nursing infant, avoid breastfeeding while taking halofantrine.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - See also Warning section.Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: penicillamine.If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting halofantrine.Other drugs besides halofantrine that may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation in the EKG) include amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, erythromycin, posaconazole, cisapride, bepridil, ranolazine, mibefradil, mefloquine, chloroquine, amitriptyline, and ziprasidone, among others.
- Before using halofantrine, report all medications you are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist.
- QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (e.g., severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details and for instructions on how you may reduce the risk of this effect.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of : medications that may possibly decrease how the body eliminates halofantrine (e.g., ketoconazole, nefazodone, clarithromycin, among others), drugs that may decrease blood potassium (e.g., furosemide, metolazone, hydrochlorothiazide).
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |