| Item |
Information |
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Drug Groups
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approved |
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Description
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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 |
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| Biotransformation |
Hepatic |
| Half Life |
6-10 days |
| Protein Binding |
60-70%; |
| External Links |
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