Mefloquine

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Lariam, Mefliam

Drug group:

Antimalarial drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Mefloquine is used for the prevention and treatment of malaria, especially in areas where malaria is resistant to other drugs.

How should it be used?

• Malaria prevention includes avoiding mosquito bites altogether – use mosquito repellents and nets, and limit the amount of exposed skin after dusk
• Tablets should be taken after food and with plenty of water
• If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes of taking a dose, repeat the dose
• Pregnancy must be avoided during and for 3 months after mefloquine use

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Prevention: 250mg once weekly, starting 1 week before entering the endemic area, and continuing on the same day of each week during, and until 4 weeks after leaving the area
• Treatment: 3x daily or every 6–8 hours, 20–25mg/kg body weight

How quickly will it start to work?

2–3 days                    
          

How long will the effects last?

1 week, low levels of the drug may persist for several months        
    

When should I stop using it?

Complete the course as prescribed.

If you are not tolerating the drug, discuss alternatives with your doctor.   

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Mefloquine may be taken for malaria prevention for up to one year.

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain
• Less common: confusion, anxiety, panic attacks, depression
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: hallucinations, paranoid delusions, severe depression or suicidal tendencies, seizures, hearing problems, palpitations

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart problems, epilepsy/seizures, depression or other psychiatric illness, previous allergic reaction to mefloquine/quinine
• Other medicines: beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, digitalis drugs, live-vaccine immunization, anticonvulsants, other antimalarial drugs
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not usually prescribed during pregnancy, but if unavoidable it is used only after the first trimester
• Children: Not used in infants <3 months, reduced dose necessary in older children
• Over 60: Careful monitoring is necessary if liver/kidney/heart problems
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug can cause dizziness or disturb balance, avoid these activities during treatment and for 3 weeks afterwards
• Alcohol: Keep consumption low