Abstract
Halofantrine, a phenanthrene derivative, has been used for the treatment of human malaria since 1984, and reported to be effective against all parasite species without any major side effects. The chemical structure of the drug is unique and not closely related to any other antimalarials, therefore, it is particularly effective for the treatment of the wide-spread drug resistant malaria. Four cases of imported falciparum malaria, including chloroquine and pyrimethamine resistant malaria, were treated with halofantrine and reported in this paper. Halofantrine cleared parasites and fever of all the cases rapidly and produced salutary symptomatic improvement of the patients. No adverse reactions were recognized after the administration of the drug, nor was there recrudescence. Fansidar is the only antimalarial drug commercially available in Japan, and imported drug resistant malaria not only against chloroquine but also Fansidar has been on the increase. The general use of halofantrine is thus expected in Japan.
