Halofantrine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Halfan

Proper Use of This Medicine

Halofantrine is best taken on an empty stomach to decrease the chance of side effects .

To help clear up your infection completely, take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor for the full time of treatment. Your symptoms may come back if you stop your treatment too early. Your doctor may instruct you to take a second course of treatment after 1 week .

Dosing - The dose of halofantrine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of halofantrine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets or teaspoonfuls of suspension that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. For malaria:

• For oral dosage forms (oral suspension and tablets):
  • Adults and children over 37 kilograms (81 pounds) of body weight - 500 mg, taken on an empty stomach every six hours three times a day for one day. Treatment may need to be repeated after one week.
  • Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. Treatment may need to be repeated after one week.
    • Up to 23 kilograms (51 pounds) of body weight: Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • 23 to 31 kilograms (51 to 68 pounds) of body weight: 250 mg, taken on an empty stomach every six hours three times a day for one day.
    • 32 to 37 kilograms (70 to 81 pounds) of body weight: 375 mg, taken on an empty stomach every six hours three times a day for one day.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the liquid form of this medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.