Halofantrine Oral

In Depth

Uses and How to Use
Dosage and Storage
Precautions and Side Effects
Drug Interactions

Generic Name: HALOFANTRINE - ORAL
Pronounced: (hal-oh-FAN-treen)

Halofantrine Oral Warning

Halofantrine may affect the heart rhythm (QT interval prolongation in the EKG) at normal doses. QT prolongation can infrequently result in a serious (rarely fatal) fast/abnormal heartbeat. Therefore, halofantrine should not be used with other medications that prolong the QT interval (see Drug Interactions section). Halofantrine should also not be used if you have certain conditions in which the QT interval is prolonged (e.g., torsade de pointes, congenital long QT syndrome, persistently low blood potassium). It should also not be used if you have other heart rhythm problems (e.g., ventricular dysrhythmias, heart block), if you have unexplained fainting, or if you have ever taken a certain other malaria drug (mefloquine).

Halofantrine Oral 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

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

chest pain
fast/irregular heartbeat
severe dizziness
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: