Indications |
Oral Malaria Adult: 20-25 mg/kg as a single dose or preferably in 2 or 3 divided doses at 6-8 hrs interval. Max dose 1.5 g. Child: 20-25 mg/kg taken in 2 divided doses. Oral Prophylaxis of malaria Adult: 250 mg once wkly taken 1-3 wk before exposure and continuing for 4 wk after leaving the malarious area. Child: <45 kg: 250 mg once wkly; 30-45 kg: 187.5 mg once wkly; 20-30 kg: 125 mg once wkly; 10-20 kg: 62.5 mg once wkly; 5-10 kg: 31.25 mg once wkly. Start prophylaxis 1-3 wk before exposure and continue for 4 wk after leaving malarious area. |
Contraindications |
Treatment with quinine during the preceding 12 hr. Prophylaxis in patients with history of psychiatric illness, seizure, hepatic disorder. Co-admin with halofantrine due to increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias. |
Warnings / Precautions |
Epilepsy; delay admin until at least 12 hr after the last dose of quinine/quinine-related compounds (monitoring of cardiac and neurological functions is warranted). Avoid driving or operating machines during and up to 3 wk after mefloquine use. Pregnancy, lactation; cardiac conduction disturbances; children <3 mth or 5 kg. |
Adverse Reactions |
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea; dysphoria, dizziness; headache; sleep disorders; vertigo; neuropsychiatric reactions; bradycardia; visual/auditory disturbances; pruritus; sialorrhea, arthralgia and fatigue; syncope; extrasystole. Potentially Fatal: Seizures, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, AV block, encephalopathy. |
Drug Interactions |
Mefloquine may compromise adequate immunization by live typhoid vaccine. Increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias with amiodarone, atomoxetine, ivrabradine, moxifloxacin, pimozide. Increased risk of cardiac toxicity and/or convulsions when used with quinidine, quinine, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. May antagonise anticonvulsant effects of antiepileptics. Bradycardia may occur with digoxin, calcium channel blockers and β-blockers. Potentially Fatal: Avoid concommitant use with halofantrine as potentially fatal cardiac arrythmias may occur. See Below for More mefloquine Drug Interactions |
Mechanism of Actions |
Mefloquine is a 4-methanolquinine antimalarial which acts as a blood schizontocide. It is active against most Plasmodium species and is used both as prophylaxis and treatment against malaria. Absorption: Well absorbed from the GIT (oral). Distribution: Widely distributed; small amount enters breast milk, crosses placenta. Protein-binding: 98% Metabolism: Hepatic (small amounts). Excretion: Urine (as unchanged drug and metabolites), faeces. Elimination half-life: 2-4 wk |
Administration |
Should be taken with food. (Best taken w/ meals & a full glass of water.) |
ATC Classification |
P01BC02 - mefloquine ; Belongs to the class of methanolquinoline antimalarials. |
Available As |
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Mefloquine
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Mefloquine Containing Brands
Mefloquine is used in following diseases
Drug - Drug Interactions of Mefloquine
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