Comparative cardiac effects of antimalarial drug halofantrine with or without concomitant administration of kolanut or fluconazole in healthy volunteers

Background: There is rekindled interest in the cardiotoxicity of antimalarial medicines. Halofantrine associated with QT interval prolongation. Fluconazole and kolanut alter pharmacokinetics halofantrine.
 Objectives: The study assessed electrocardiographic changes concomitant administration or fluconazole halofantrine effects on QTc interval.
 Methods: Eighteen healthy volunteers received a single oral dose halofantrine, crossover study. Twelve lead electrocardiography (ECG) was performed to measure PR (QTc). Statistical analysis SPSS at 5% level significance.
 Results: intervals were shortened by alone (169.29 28.67 165.29 28.007 172.73 29.843 163.00 18.336ms) but prolonged (177.70 27.394 186.59 44.434ms). prolongation (384.76 21.727 394.12 21.525; 381.36 22.29 388.30 17.26 382.35 20.08 390.84 21.97) all three treatment groups 6 hours, p>0.05. One subject had >440ms. Pre-treatment (PR0) correlated well post-treatment PR6, PR14 r= 0.519, p= 0.014; r=0.664, p=0.013.
 Conclusion: Concomitant intake significantly decrease cardiac effect Keywords: Drug interaction; fluconazole; halofantrine; kolanut; malaria;