Effect of halofantrine on QT interval in children

Pathog Glob Health. 2012 May;106(2):124-5. doi: 10.1179/2047773212Y.0000000007.

Abstract

In order to assess cardiac tolerance of halofantrine in children, we studied, retrospectively, 15 non complicated falciparum malaria cases treated with halofantrine, and focused on the effect on ventricular repolarisation. Our data showed that halofantrine can produce a moderate QTc prolongation without any life-threatening arrhythmia. As long as contraindications of the drug are respected, this treatment should be considered as a therapeutical option in young children presenting with non complicated falciparum malaria.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antimalarials / administration & dosage
  • Antimalarials / adverse effects*
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Long QT Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Phenanthrenes / administration & dosage
  • Phenanthrenes / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Phenanthrenes
  • halofantrine