Halofantrine hydrochloride-efficacy and safety in children with acute malaria

Thirty two children with symptomatic malaria due to P. vivax and P. falciparum infections were treated with three doses of Halofantrine hydrochloride 8 mg/kg body weight every 6 hours. Mean fever clearance was 30 hours [range 24-48 hours]. No significant clinical or biochemical side effects were observed. Symptoms cleared rapidly. Halofantrine hydrochloride was found to be highly effective and appeared to have no side effects in children with acute malaria infections

Childhood asthma, response to oral prophylaxis

The value and efficacy of ketotifen as a prophylactic drug for childhood asthma was assessed for 1 year in 45 children. Sixty seven percent showed good response, 15.5% moderate and 17.7% poor response to ketotifen therapy. The side effects [sedation, dizziness, headache] were seen in 20% children which resolved without interruption of therapy. Ketotifen appeared to be an effective and safe oral prophylactic drug for childhood asthma