Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
Halfan
Synonyms :
halofantrine
Class :
Antimalarials, Miscellaneous
Brand Name :
Halfan
Synonyms :
halofantrine
Class :
Antimalarials, Miscellaneous
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
TabletÂ
halofantrine hydrochlorideÂ
250mgÂ
500 mg orally every 6 hours
Give 3 doses and repeat in a week
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
TabletÂ
halofantrine hydrochlorideÂ
250mgÂ
Indicated for acute malaria
For less than 37 kg: 8 mg/kg orally every 6 hours
Give 3 doses and repeat in a week
For more than 37 kg: 500 mg orally every 6 hours
Give 3 doses and repeat in a week
Refer to the adult dosingÂ
may diminish the serum concentration when combined with halofantrine
halofantrine: they may increase the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-prolonging Agents
halofantrine: they may increase the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-prolonging Agents
halofantrine: they may increase the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-prolonging Agents
halofantrine: they may increase the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-prolonging Agents
halofantrine: they may increase the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-prolonging Agents
may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inhibitors
may increase the QT-prolonging effect and enhance the risk of bradycardia, hypokalemia
halofantrine: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inhibitors
halofantrine: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inhibitors
halofantrine: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inhibitors
halofantrine: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inhibitors
halofantrine: they may enhance the serum concentration of CYP3A4 inhibitors
halofantrine: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
halofantrine: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
halofantrine: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
halofantrine: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
halofantrine: they may increase the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants
may enhance the risk of adverse/toxic effect of dapsone
the risk of QTc prolongation may be increased
Actions and SpectrumÂ
Actions:Â
halofantrine’s primary mode of action involves interfering with the ability of the malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) to multiply within red blood cells. It affects the parasite’s ion channels, specifically those related to calcium transport, which disrupts the parasite’s normal cellular processes. This disruption leads to the parasite’s death, helping to control and treat malaria infections.Â
Spectrum:Â
halofantrine was primarily used against Plasmodium falciparum, the most severe and deadly malaria parasite species. It was effective against both drug-sensitive and some drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. However, its use could have been improved due to the emergence of resistant strains, safety concerns, and potential interactions with other medications.Â
Frequency not definedÂ
Chest PainÂ
Ventricular arrhythmiasÂ
Orthostatic hypertensionÂ
Cerebrovascular accidentÂ
Black Box Warning:Â
NoneÂ
Contraindication/Caution:Â
Contraindications:Â
Cautions:Â
Pregnancy consideration:Â Â
Pregnancy Category: CÂ
Breastfeeding warnings:Â Â
No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk. Â
Pregnancy category:Â
Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.Â
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.Â
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   Â
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.   Â
Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.Â
Pharmacology:Â Â
halofantrine interferes with the parasite’s calcium-dependent ion channels, particularly those regulating calcium fluxes across the parasite’s membranes. This disruption affects the parasite’s normal cellular functions, leading to growth inhibition and death of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.Top of FormÂ
Pharmacodynamics:Â
halofantrine blocks the HERG channels that are already inactivated, causing cardiotoxicity. Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
halofantrine is administered orally in tablet form. It is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and its absorption is influenced by the presence of food in the stomach. Taking halofantrine with food can enhance its absorption.Â
DistributionÂ
Once absorbed, halofantrine is distributed throughout the bloodstream. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and can reach therapeutic concentrations in the central nervous system, making it effective against cerebral malaria.Â
MetabolismÂ
halofantrine undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver by the enzyme cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). This metabolism results in the formation of an active metabolite, N-desbutyl-halofantrine.Â
Elimination and ExcretionÂ
Metabolized halofantrine and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the feces. Only a small portion is excreted in the urine.Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: halofantrineÂ
Pronounced as: hal-oh-FAN-treenÂ
Why do we use halofantrine?Â
halofantrine is used as an antimalarial medication to treat malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which is responsible for severe cases of the disease. It is effective against both the asexual blood stages of the parasite.Â
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