Halofantrine (By Mouth)

Halofantrine (ha-loe-FAN-trin)

Treats malaria.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to halofantrine. Tell your doctor if you know that you have a heartbeat that is not normal (irregular heartbeat) or if family members have a heartbeat that is not normal.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often.
• Halofantrine should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

If a dose is missed:

• Use the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• You should not use this medicine with mefloquine (Lariam®). Make sure your doctor knows if you are using amiodarone (Cordarone®), astemizole (Hismanal®), bepridil (Vascor®), cisapride (Propulsid®), erythromycin (E.E.S.®, E-mycin®, Eryc®, EryPed®, Ery-Tab®, Erythrocin®, P.C.E.®), procainamide (Procanbid®, Procan S.R.®, Promine®, Pronestyl®), quinidine (Quinidex Extentabs®, Cardioquin®, Quinaglute Dura-Tabs®), sotalol (Betapace®), and terfenadine (Seldane®, Seldane-D®). These medicines used with halofantrine may cause serious heart problems.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed. You should not use more than your doctor ordered.
• It is important that you take this medicine on an empty stomach and not with food. Taking this medicine with food can increase the amount of medicine your body absorbs, which can cause serious side effects.
• You may have tests before and after you use this medicine to make sure your heart is beating normally. The test is called an ECG (electrocardiogram). It is a painless test that shows the tracing of each heartbeat.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat (a heartbeat that is not normal)
• Fainting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness, headache
• Cough
• Itching

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.