About mefloquine
Antimalarial medicine
Used for
- Prevention and treatment of malaria caused by susceptible parasites.
Usual adult dose
Prevention: 250 mg once weekly, starting at least 1 week before travel. Treatment: 750 mg, then 500 mg 6–8 hours later.
Usual dose in children
Prevention: 5 mg/kg once weekly, maximum 250 mg. Treatment: weight-based dosing; specialist guidance is needed.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or headache
- Abnormal dreams, insomnia, or mood changes
- Balance problems or ringing in the ears
- Rarely, seizures or serious psychiatric effects
Important warnings
- Can cause lasting or severe psychiatric or nervous-system problems.
- Not suitable for some people with seizures or certain psychiatric disorders.
- May cause dizziness or impaired coordination; avoid hazardous activities if affected.
- Malaria prevention and treatment choices depend on destination and parasite resistance.
Pregnancy
Malaria can be dangerous during pregnancy. Mefloquine may be used when needed, particularly in areas with resistant malaria; clinician guidance is essential.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk in small amounts. Available evidence suggests low risk, but seek medical guidance for infants, especially newborns.
Interactions
- Warfarin and other anticoagulants may need closer monitoring.
- Seizure medicines can alter mefloquine levels or increase seizure risk.
- Other medicines affecting heart rhythm may increase abnormal heartbeat risk.
- Live oral typhoid vaccine may work less well; separate doses when 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.