ISSN:
1432-1041
Keywords:
Halofantrine
;
Malaria falciparum
;
pharmacokinetics
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Halofantrine is a new blood schizontocidal drug used for the treatment of multidrug-resistant falciparum malaria. The pharmacokinetics of halofantrine (HAL) and its principal metabolite, N-desbutylhalofantrine (BHAL), was investigated in 6 adult male patients of Melanesian origin with uncomplicated falciparum malaria. The patients received 500 mg of halofantrine hydrochloride at times 0, 6 and 12 h (total 1.5 g). All patients responded to treatment with a mean parasite clearance time of 52.7 h and a mean fever clearance time of 33.8 h. The following kinetic parameters (mean values) were determined for HAL and BHAL, respectively: maximum plasma concentration (Cmax)=896 and 491 ng·ml−1; time to reach the Cmax (tmax)=15 and 56 h; elimination half-life (t1/2)=91 and 79 h and the mean residence time (MRT)=71 and 102 h. Based on the clinical response the plasma concentrations of HAL and BHAL were adequate for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in the 6 patients.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00265910
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