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.
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.
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.
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.
Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities. Halofantrine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
Stop taking halofantrine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; shortness of breath; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; or hives);
fast or irregular heartbeats;
fluttering feeling in the chest;
lightheadedness or fainting;
chest pain;
decreased consciousness; or
seizures.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take halofantrine and talk to your doctor if you experience
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite;
abdominal pain;
dizziness;
headache;
cough;
itching;
shivering or tremors; or
muscle aches.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Halofantrine should not be taken during or immediately following treatment with mefloquine (Lariam). Taking these medications together may increase the risk of potentially fatal irregular heartbeats.
Do not take any other prescription or over-the counter medicines, including herbal products during treatment with halofantrine without first talking to your doctor. Many other medications may affect the way the heart beats or increase the effects of halofantrine, possibly resulting in dangerous irregular heartbeats if taken during treatment with halofantrine.
Halofantrine is available with a prescription under the brand name Halfan in 250 mg white, to off-white, capsule-shaped tablets. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
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