[Halofantrine in the treatment of malaria. Clinical trial in a semi-rural zone of Cameroon]

Bull Soc Pathol Exot Filiales. 1989;82(3):368-72.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Twelve children, 2 to 15 years of age, with falciparum malaria (parasitaemia 4,500 to 170,000/mm3) have taken 24 mg/kg body weight of halofantrine hydrochloride (Halfan) per os in three divided doses given within 12 hours. The symptomatology improved after 24 to 48 hours, with no more fever 5 to 90 hours after treatment and with a decrease of splenomegaly in 80% of the cases. The parasitic clearance was obtained after 24 to 60 hours. The haematocrit started raising again in 58% of the cases. Halofantrine hydrochloride is an efficient antimalarial drug in semi-immune patients. It is well tolerated and well accepted, thus representing an alternative for the cure of chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Animals
  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use*
  • Cameroon
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Malaria / drug therapy*
  • Malaria / parasitology
  • Male
  • Phenanthrenes / adverse effects
  • Phenanthrenes / therapeutic use*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / isolation & purification
  • Rural Population

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Phenanthrenes
  • halofantrine