Cardiac effects of antimalarial treatment with halofantrine
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 10, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
F Nosten1, F O ter Kuile, C Luxemburger
1Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sot, Thailand.
Abstract:
In a prospective electrocardiographic study of Karen patients with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria, mefloquine (25 mg/kg) had no cardiac effects (n = 53), but halofantrine (72 mg/kg) induced consistent dose-related lengthening of the PR and QT intervals in all 61 patients treated. The likelihood of significant QTc prolongation (by more than 25% or a QTc of 0.55 s1/2 or more) was greater after halofantrine as retreatment following mefloquine failure than as primary treatment (7/10 vs 18/51; relative risk 2.0 [95% Cl 1.1-3.4], p = 0.04). More than 60% of the effect occurred with three doses of halofantrine (24 mg/kg). The arrhythmogenic potential of halofantrine should now be investigated.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers
Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These drugs work by moderately blocking sodium channels,...
Malaria
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers
Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium movement across myocardial cell membranes and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and...
Antiprotozoal Agents