Halofantrine
Halofantrine is an antimalarial medication used to treat acute malaria infections, particularly those caused by Plasmodium falciparum strains that may be resistant to other antimalarial drugs. It is administered orally and is typically reserved for treatment rather than prevention of malaria.
Halofantrine is an oral antimalarial drug used to treat acute malaria infections, particularly drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- P01BX01
- RxNorm
- 50749
- Generic
- Halofantrine
- Class
- atc-p01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
avoid use while breastfeeding due to excretion in breast milk
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
pediatricweight-based dosing required
use under close medical supervision with ECG monitoring
cardiac monitoring required due to QT prolongation risk
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose and monitor closely
use with caution due to increased cardiac sensitivity
baseline and serial ECG monitoring required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed for mild to moderate impairment
use with caution and monitor renal function
monitor renal function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose in moderate impairment
use with caution and monitor liver function
monitor liver function tests and ECG
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
Halofantrine was approved and marketed from the early 1990s
Drug class
Halofantrine belongs to the phenanthrene class of antimalarial drugs
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication for halofantrine
Safety concerns
Major safety issue leading to market withdrawal
Treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. It is particularly considered when other standard antimalarial treatments are not suitable or effective.
Halofantrine is a schizonticidal agent that accumulates within the malaria parasite and is thought to interfere with the parasite's digestion of hemoglobin in red blood cells, leading to the parasite's death.
Halofantrine should be taken with food to enhance absorption. It is contraindicated in patients with known cardiac conditions or those taking medications that prolong the QT interval due to risk of cardiotoxicity. It is not recommended for malaria prophylaxis or in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy