About mefloquin e
Antimalarial; quinoline-methanol
Used for
- Prevention of malaria in areas where mefloquine remains effective
- Treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by susceptible parasites
Usual adult dose
Prevention: 250 mg once weekly. Treatment: 750 mg, then 500 mg 6–12 hours later.
Usual dose in children
For prevention, 5 mg/kg once weekly. Treatment dosing is weight-based and requires clinician guidance.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or dizziness
- Abnormal dreams, insomnia, anxiety, or mood changes
- Balance problems, ringing in the ears, or visual disturbance
- Rare seizures, severe psychiatric reactions, or liver problems
Important warnings
- Do not use for malaria prevention with a seizure history or certain psychiatric disorders.
- Stop and seek prompt medical assessment for severe mood, balance, hearing, or vision symptoms.
- Not suitable for some resistant malaria regions; choice depends on destination and parasite susceptibility.
- Use cautiously with heart rhythm disorders and liver impairment.
Pregnancy
Malaria can be dangerous during pregnancy. Mefloquine may be used when needed, based on destination and clinical assessment.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts pass into breast milk; available evidence suggests low risk, but infant dosing is not provided by maternal treatment.
Interactions
- May increase risk of abnormal heart rhythm with certain medicines.
- Can affect blood levels of warfarin; closer monitoring may be needed.
- Antiseizure medicines and rifampicin can alter mefloquine levels.
- Live oral typhoid vaccine may be less effective; separate dosing where possible.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.