Brand name Lariam
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mefloquine is used for the prevention and treatment of malaria.This drug is recommended for use in certain parts of the world – for example, Southeast Asia, China, South America, and Central and Southern Africa – where malaria has been resistant to other drugs.
However, the use of mefloquine is limited by the fact that it can cause, in
some patients, serious side effects that include depression, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, panic, confusion, hallucinations, paranoid delusions, and convulsions.
For most people, the benefits of its use outweigh the risks, although this should be discussed with your doctor.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Antimalarial drug.
Overdose danger rating High
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets.
Frequency and timing of doses
Prevention Once weekly.
Treatment Up to 3 x daily, every 6-8 hours.
Adult dosage range
Prevention 1 tablet once weekly starting
1-2 weeks before departure and continuing until 4 weeks after leaving the malarial area. Treatment Initial dose 3 tablets (750mg) followed by further doses according to body weight.
Onset of effect
2-3 days.
Duration of action
Over 1 week. Low levels of the drug may persist for several months.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 48 hours (if taken once weekly for prevention), take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor about alternative treatment.
OVERDOSE ACTION
Seek immediate medical advice in all cases. Take emergency action if dizziness, palpitations, collapse, or loss of consciousness occur.
See Drug poisoning emergency guide.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
In rare cases, serious adverse effects on the nervous system can occur. Side effects may not occur immediately, so you may be advised
to start taking mefloquine 2 weeks before travelling. The most common adverse effects are dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting.
INTERACTIONS
General note
Mefloquine may increase the effects of drugs such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digitalis drugs on the heart.
Anticonvulsant drugs
Mefloquine may decrease the effect of these drugs.
Other antimalarial drugs
Mefloquine may increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with these drugs.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have had epileptic fits.
You have had depression or other psychiatric illness.
You have had a previous allergic reaction to mefloquine or quinine.
You have heart problems.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Not prescribed. Pregnancy must be avoided during and for 3 months after mefloquine use.
Breast-feeding
Not prescribed. The drug passes into the breast milk.
Infants and children
Reduced dose necessary.
Over 60
Careful monitoring is necessary if liver or kidney problems or heart disease are present.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities when taking mefloquine for prevention until you know how the drug affects you. Also avoid during treatment and for 3 weeks afterwards as the drug can cause dizziness or disturb balance.
Alcohol
Keep consumption low.
PROLONGED USE
May be taken for prevention of malaria for up to one year.
