Halfan

Halfan - General Information

Halfan 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. Halfan has been shown to preferentially block open and inactivated HERG channels leading to some degree of cardiotoxicity.

Pharmacology of Halfan

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

Halfan for patients

Halfan Interactions

Halfan Contraindications

Halofantrine should not be used if patient has atrioventricular conduction disorders or Syncope,or thiamine deficiency or ventricular dysrhythmias

Additional information about Halfan

Halfan Indication: For treatment of Severe malaria
Mechanism Of Action: The mechanism of action of Halfan may be similar to that of chloroquine, quinine, and mefloquine; by forming toxic complexes with ferritoporphyrin IX that damage the membrane of the parasite.
Drug Interactions: Mefloquine Increased risk of cardiac toxicity
Mesoridazine Increased risk of cardiotoxicity and arrhythmias
Ziprasidone Increased risk of cardiotoxicity and arrhythmias
Thioridazine Increased risk of cardiotoxicity and arrhythmias
Posaconazole Contraindicated co-administration
Quinupristin This combination presents an increased risk of toxicity
Food Interactions: Take on an empty stomach, bioavailability is 6 times higher when drug is taken with high fat meals. Risks of cardiac toxicity are then increased.
Generic Name: Halofantrine
Synonyms: Halofantrina [Inn-Spanish]; Halofantrine [Usan]; Halofantrinum [Inn-Latin]
Drug Category: Antiprotozoals; Antimalarials
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Halofantrine: Halfan;
Absorption: Not Available
Toxicity (Overdose): Side effects incldue coughing noisy, rattling, troubled breathing, loss of appetite, aches and pain in joints, indigestion,and skin itching or rash.
Protein Binding: 60-70%;
Biotransformation: Hepatic
Half Life: 6-10 days
Dosage Forms of Halfan: Not Available
Chemical IUPAC Name: 3-(dibutylamino)-1-[1,3-dichloro-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenanthren-9-yl]propan-1-ol
Chemical Formula: C26H30Cl2F3NO
Halofantrine on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halofantrine
Organisms Affected: Plasmodium