Comparison of micronized halofantrine with chloroquine-antibiotic combinations for treating Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults from Gabon.
Multidrug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum is spreading throughout Africa. In Lambarene, Gabon where chloroquine-resistant malaria is prevalent, a randomized comparative trial with three regimens for treating P. falciparum malaria in adults was performed. One hundred two patients evaluated received either a new micronized formulation of halofantrine (8 mg/kg every 6 hr in three doses) (group H) or chloroquine (25 mg/kg for a 48-hr period) plus clindamycin (5 mg/kg every 12 hr in six doses) (group CC1), or chloroquine (as above) plus doxycycline (2 mg/kg every 12 hr in six doses) (group CD). All treatment regimens were well-tolerated. In group H, 100% of the patients were cured, and in group CC1, 97% of the patients were cured by day 28 of follow-up. In group CD, a significantly lower cure rate of 75% (P < 0.01) and a slower parasite clearance was observed, but only low grade (RI) resistance occurred.
International Research Laboratory of the Albert-Schweitzer-Hospital, Lambarene, Gabon.
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Kremsner
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Wildling
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Jenne
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Graninger
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Bienzle
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002738:Chloroquine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005681:Gabon; D006801:Humans; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010616:Phenanthrenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000962:Antimalarials; D010616:Phenanthrenes; D002981:Clindamycin; D002738:Chloroquine; D004318:Doxycycline; C023768:halofantrine