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halofantrine-oral, Halfan

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GENERIC NAME: HALOFANTRINE - ORAL (hal-oh-FAN-treen)

BRAND NAME(S): Halfan

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Rarely, this medication has caused serious, sometimes fatal heart problems (e.g., ventricular arrhythmias), even at recommended doses. Halofantrine is not recommended for use while using other medications known to cause heart problems (e.g., prolonged QT interval), nor in people who have ever used mefloquine. Halofantrine is not recommended for use if you have a history of heart problems or have had unexplained fainting episodes. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are using this medication.

USES: This medication is used to treat malaria.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after food, generally every 6 hours for 3 doses as directed by your physician. Do not take with food. Taking this drug with food will increase the side effects. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medication, as serious side effects may occur.

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dizziness and headache may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: cough, muscle pain, tremors. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these very unlikely but serious side effects: chest pain, mental/mood changes, convulsions. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, fainting. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, heart disease (e.g., arrhythmias or heart conduction disorders such as QT prolongation), family history of heart disease (e.g., arrhythmias), unexplained fainting. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.