Halofantrine
Indications
These indications are based on manufacturer information for both originator and generic products. For product specific registered indications, please refer to product specific manufacturer information
Registered South African indications:
- Uncomplicated acute infections with chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax
Cautions
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients
- Halofantrine should not be used as a prophylactic
- Known QT prolongation
- Known family history of congenital QT prolongation
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
Cautions
- Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Elderly
- Cerebral malaria
- Complicated malarial conditions
- Ventricular arrhythmias
- Atrio-ventricular conduction disorders
- Unexplained syncopal attacks
- Risk of thiamine deficiency
- High doses
- May impair ability to drive and operate machinery
Adult dosage
Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: tab
Infections caused by: Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax
General dosing range
Weight > 40kg
- Oral (tab): 500mg, 6hrly
Take on an empty stomach
Avoid fatty foods for 24hrs
In cases where patient has no previous exposure or minimal exposure to malaria, a second course of therapy should be given 1 week after the initial treatment
Paediatric dosage
Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: tab, sus
Infections caused by: Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax
General dosing range
Weight < 10kg
- Not established for use
Weight between 10-40kg
- Oral (tab, sus): 24mg/kg/day, in 3 divided doses
| Weight | 2% suspension ml/dose | Tablet 250mg |
| 10-12kg | 5ml | - |
| 13-18kg | 7.5ml | - |
| 19-25kg | 10ml | - |
| 26-31kg | 12.5ml | 1 tab |
| 32-40kg | 15ml | 1.5 tab |
Weight > 40kg
- See adult dosage
Take on an empty stomach
Avoid fatty foods for 24hrs
In cases where patient has no previous exposure or minimal exposure to malaria, a second course of therapy should be given 1 week after the initial treatment
Special populations
Pregnancy
- Contraindicated
Breastfeeding
- Contraindicated
Renal Impairment
Hepatic Impairment
Elderly
Adverse reactions
Central Nervous System Disorders
- Seizures
Cardiovascular Disorders
- QT prolongation
- Ventricular dysrrhythmia
Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
Hepatobiliary Disorders
- Increased serum transaminases
Genitourinary Disorders
- Renal impairment
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
- Pruritis
- Skin rash
Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders
- Haemolytic reactions
- Immune haemolytic anaemia
Interactions
- Mefloquine
- CYP3A4 inhibitors
- Antiarrhythmics
- Antihistamines
- QT prolonging agents
Monitoring
None routine. Specific cases may require
- ECG
Mechanism of action
Halofantrine is schizonticidal and exerts its action at the erythrocytic stage of the life cycle (trophozoite and schizont). It is not effective against exo-erythrocytic (hepatic) schizonts or against sporozoite, merozoite or gametocyte stages of the malaria parasites investigated.
Spectrum of activity: Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax
Dosage forms
- Suspension
- Tablet
Formulation
Tablet 250mg
- Halfan (GSK) originator
Suspension (per 5ml) 100mg
- Halfan (GSK) originator
References
1. SAMF_12th Edition_Page 523 2. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1boejaool1hXK58CU_Kwns6XhAhqgpVQZ (28/11/2014_GSK_Halfan_tab) 3. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1boejaool1hXK58CU_Kwns6XhAhqgpVQZ (20/01/1995_GSK_tab, susp) 4. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/halofantrine-international-drug-information-concise?source=search_result&search=halofantrine&selectedTitle=1~21 5. https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/halofantrine.html **No SPC available
Brands & products
2 products · stale NAPPI snapshot · refreshed 5/28/2026 · 159 days oldsuspensionGeneric· 1 product
from R16.33/unit| Product | Strength | Pack | Sched | SEP | Unit | Disp fee | NAPPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halfan | 100 mg/5ml | 30 | S4 | R489.83 | R16.33 | R156.52 | 806161019 |
tabletGeneric· 1 product
from R57.38/unit| Product | Strength | Pack | Sched | SEP | Unit | Disp fee | NAPPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halfan | 250 mg | 6 | S4 | R344.29 | R57.38 | R119.92 | 805580018 |
- Halfan
Medical aid coverage
data not yet integrated- Comprehensive Series—
- Executive Plan—
- KeyCare Series—
- Priority Series—
- Saver Series—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- BonClassic—
- BonComprehensive—
- BonEssential—
- BonFit Select—
- BonSave—
- BonStart—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- Beryl—
- Emerald—
- Onyx—
- Ruby—
- Sapphire—
- Tanzanite One—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- Aquarium Option—
- Efficiency Option—
- Marine Option—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.