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Pronunciation |
|
(ha
loe FAN
trin) |
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U.S. Brand
Names |
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Halfan® |
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Generic
Available |
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No |
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Synonyms |
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Halofantrine Hydrochloride |
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|
Pharmacological Index |
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Antimalarial Agent |
|
|
Use |
|
Treatment of mild to moderate acute malaria caused by susceptible strains of
Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax |
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Pregnancy Risk
Factor |
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X |
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|
Contraindications |
|
Family history of congenital Q-Tc prolongation; hypersensitivity
to halofantrine |
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|
Warnings/Precautions |
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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 |
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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 |
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|
Dental Health:
Effects on Dental Treatment |
|
No effects or complications reported |
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|
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 |
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|
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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