Effect of halofantrine administration on some liver and heart enzymes in healthy human volunteers

Abstract

The effect of halofantrine on liver and the heart was evaluated in 15
healthy adult human volunteers (11 females and 4 males), after a single
oral dose of halofantrine given to each volunteer. Blood samples were
collected at predetermined time intervals and analysed for the various
liver and heart enzyme activities {Aspartateaminotransferase (AST),
Alanineaminotransferase (ALT), Alkalinephosphatase(ALP),Creatine
phosphokinase (CK) and lactatedehydrogenase (LDH)}, before and after
drug administration. Halofantrine administration caused a steady
increase in the activities of all the enzymes with a peak at the 8th hour.
These values were statistically significantly (p<0.05) different from the
base line (0 hr) especially at the 8th hour. The increase in enzyme activity
corresponds to peak serum concentration of halofantrine as seen in earlier
studies. It conclude that halofantine administration at therapeutic or
higher doses could result in an increase in enzyme activities and since
these vital organs, plays a significant role in halofantrine
pharmacokinetics, may play a role in predicting halofantrine toxicity/and
or effect. (Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 9: 31 – 35, 2006)

Keywords: Halofantrine, human, biochemistry, Hepato/Cardiotoxicity