Effect of Halofantrine Administration on some liver and heart enzymes in Healthy Human Volunteers

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 8^th 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.