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What is the most important information I should know about halofantrine?

In rare cases, halofantrine may affect the heart, causing irregular heartbeats that could result in death. Do not take halofantrine if you have a heart condition such as an irregular heartbeats or a history of irregular heartbeats; a history of prolonged QT intervals; a family history of congenital long QT syndrome; heart block or other conduction disturbances; or unexplained episodes of fainting. These conditions may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats and death while taking halofantrine. Take halofantrine on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after food. Taking halofantrine with food may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats. Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities. Halofantrine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What is halofantrine?

Halofantrine is an antimalarial drug. The exact way that halofantrine works is unknown.

Halofantrine is used to treat malaria.

Halofantrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking halofantrine?

In rare cases, halofantrine may affect the heart, causing irregular heartbeats that could result in death. Do not take halofantrine if you have a heart condition such as an irregular heartbeats or a history of irregular heartbeats; a history of prolonged QT intervals; a family history of congenital long QT syndrome; heart block or other conduction disturbances; or unexplained episodes of fainting. These conditions may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats and death while taking halofantrine.

Before taking halofantrine, tell your doctor if you have

• liver disease; or
• kidney disease.

You may not be able to take halofantrine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.

Halofantrine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take halofantrine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether halofantrine passes into breast milk. Do not take halofantrine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take halofantrine?

Take halofantrine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take halofantrine on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after food. Taking halofantrine with food may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats. Store halofantrine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of halofantrine.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of halofantrine is suspected.

Symptoms of a halofantrine overdose may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, decreased consciousness, seizures, and irregular heartbeats.

What should I avoid while taking halofantrine?

Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities. Halofantrine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.