Halofantrine

Halofantrine is a drug used to treat malaria which is a red blood cell infection spread by mosquitos. It belongs to a group of drugs called antimalarials.

Halofantrine can cause some serious side effects. So, it is mostly used to treat serious malaria infections in the regions where other drugs are resistant.

Halofantrine is available only through your doctor's prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Tablet

Before using Halofantrine, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them.

Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

Allergies

If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

Age-specific problems

The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group is not yet available. Its safety and efficacy have not been established in children.

The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not been carried out, therefore its safety and efficacy have not been established in older age group. However, geriatric population is more prone to having kidney, liver and heart problems.

Pregnancy

Regarding the safety of usage of this drug during pregnancy, it comes under “C” category, which means that clinical trials on animals have revealed harmful effects to the developing fetus or relevant studies have not been performed.

Drug Interactions

Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand, certain drugs are allowed to be used together.

So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug.

This medication should be used cautiously with following drugs:

• Bepridil
• Amifampridine
• Aurothioglucose
• Cisapride
• Dronedarone
• Levomethadyl
• Ketoconazole
• Mesoridazine
• Piperaquine
• Pimozide
• Posaconazole
• Sparfloxacin
• Saquinavir
• Terfenadine
• Ziprasidone
• Thioridazine
• Acecainide
• Alfuzosin
• Ajmaline
• Amiodarone
• Amitriptyline
• Amisulpride
• Amoxapine
• Apomorphine
• Anagrelide
• Aripiprazole
• Aprindine
• Asenapine
• Arsenic Trioxide
• Astemizole
• Azithromycin
• Azimilide
• Bedaquiline
• Buserelin
• Bretylium
• Ceritinib
• Chloral Hydrate
• Ciprofloxacin
• Chloroquine
• Chlorpromazine
• Citalopram
• Clozapine
• Clarithromycin
• Clomipramine
• Crizotinib
• Dabrafenib
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Dasatinib
• Delamanid
• Degarelix
• Deslorelin
• Desipramine
• Disopyramide
• Dolasetron
• Dofetilide
• Domperidone
• Donepezil
• Dothiepin
• Doxepin
• Droperidol
• Enflurane
• Encainide
• Escitalopram
• Erythromycin
• Fingolimod
• Fluconazole
• Flecainide
• Foscarnet
• Fluoxetine
• Gemifloxacin
• Goserelin
• Gonadorelin
• Granisetron
• Halothane
• Haloperidol
• Histrelin
• Hydroquinidine
• Ibutilide
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Idelalisib
• Imipramine
• Iloperidone
• Isoflurane
• Itraconazole
• Isradipine
• Ivabradine
• Leuprolide
• Lapatinib
• Levofloxacin
• Lofepramine
• Lidoflazine

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco.

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from, especially:

• Unexplained sudden fainting
• Thiamine deficiency
• Heart problems, especially abnormal heartbeat

To use Halofantrine properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Halofantrine should be taken on an empty stomach in order to decrease the chances of adverse effects.

To avoid adverse effects, this drug should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not overuse or misuse this drug and do not use it longer than the recommended time. Read all the instructions mentioned in the medication guide. 

Missed dose

Do not miss any dose. The dose of this drug varies according to the condition of each person. The number of doses per day, the time interval between the doses and the length of time you have to take the medicine depends on your condition individually and all these factors should only be determined by your healthcare provider. Follow each and every instruction of your doctor and also read the label carefully.

In case you miss one dose of this drug, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your subsequent dose, you can then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Storage

This medicine should be stored at room temperature within a closed container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. Do not store expired or outdated medicines or the medicine no longer needed.

Before using Halofantrine, there are some precautions you must take. Malaria is spread by the bites of certain kinds of female anopheles mosquito. So, it is necessary that you should avoid contact with mosquitoes by using repellents and nets, etc.

Your doctor should monitor your response to the medicine and look for any side effects. Therefore, regular follow-up is necessary during and after the treatment. Contact your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment.

Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Halofantrine. Although the side effects may occur only in a handful of patients, but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately. 

Also contact your health care professional immediately, if you have overdosed on this drug. If any of the side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away, contact your doctor.