IS HALOFANTRINE STILL ADVISABLE IN MALARIA ATTACKS

Halofantrine is an antimalarial drug which is widely prescribed for th e treatment of infections with chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmo dium falciparum. Chemically, it is a phenanthrene methanol, belonging to the aryl-amino-alcohol family. It has recently been recognized that this drug may induce rare but serious, cardiotoxic effects, including lengthening of the QTc interval, 'torsode de pointes' and induction o f late ventricular potentials. These events are thought to be related to a quinidine-like action of the drug. In addition, severe haemolytic accidents have been reported, mimicking blackwater fever and indicati ng an immunological process. As a result of these side-effects, new gu idelines for prescription and more cautious use of halofantrine, parti cularly as a stand-by treatment for febrile access among travellers, a re required.