Drug Groups

approved

Description

Halofantrine is a drug used to treat malaria. It belongs to the phenanthrene class of compounds that includes quinine and lumefantrine. It appears to inhibit polymerisation of heme molecules (by the parasite enzyme "heme polymerase"), resulting in the parasite being poisoned by its own waste. Halofantrine has been shown to preferentially block open and inactivated HERG channels leading to some degree of cardiotoxicity.

Indication

For treatment of Severe malaria

Pharmacology

Halofantrine is a synthetic antimalarial which acts as a blood schizonticide. It is effective against multi drug resistant (including mefloquine resistant) P. falciparum malaria.

Toxicity

Side effects incldue coughing noisy, rattling, troubled breathing, loss of appetite, aches and pain in joints, indigestion,and skin itching or rash.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Hepatic

Half Life

6-10 days

Protein Binding

60-70%;

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