Halofantrine versus mefloquine in treatment of multidrug-resistant falciparum malaria

摘要: The continuing spread of multidrug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria makes the search for alternative treatments ever more urgent. We have investigated relative efficacy halofantrine and mefloquine two paired randomised trials on Thai-Burmese border, a multidrug-resistant area. In first trial, 198 patients with acute uncomplicated were randomly assigned either standard regimen (24 mg/kg) or (25 mg/kg). cumulative failure rates by day 28 35% 10% (p = 0.0002). second study 437 patients, higher dose (8 mg/kg every 8 h 3 days 72 was both effective better tolerated than 25 mg/kg; 3% 8% 0.03), respectively, 1% vs 6% after adjustment possible reinfections 0.009). rate retreatment primary treatment all groups. Halofantrine especially these recrudescent infections; 44% 15% high-dose (relative risk 3.0 [95% CI 1.2-7.3], p 0.008). Thus, is this However, evidence cardiotoxicity will need to be fully before role can established malaria.