Postexposure administration of halofantrine for the prevention of malaria.

Halofantrine was administered as prophylaxis for malaria to mine workers returning from endemic areas of Papua New Guinea. The men were randomly assigned to receive 500 mg of halofantrine daily for 3 days (n = 195) or 6 days (n = 150) or a total dose of 1,500 mg of chloroquine over 3 days (n = 55). None of the men receiving halofantrine developed falciparum malaria during the subsequent 28 days, whereas three men receiving chloroquine did develop this disease (P < .02). The administration of halofantrine after departure from an endemic area is one strategy for the prevention of falciparum malaria after short-term exposure.