Mefloquine is a medication used to treat malaria. It works by killing the parasite that causes malaria.
What is Mefloquine?
Mefloquine is used to treat malaria and to prevent it in the case of traveling to areas of the world where the disease is endemic.
How should Mefloquine be taken?
Mefloquine is assumed orally in the form of tablets to be swallowed with food (preferably with the main meal) and a large glass of water. The tablets can also be crushed or chewed with a drink.
Prophylactic treatment typically involves taking one dose a week from 1-3 weeks before departure and it must be continued for 4 weeks after your return. Dosages tend to vary from patient to patient.
Side effects associated with Mefloquine
Possible side effects of Mefloquine include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomit
- Temperature
- Diarrhea
- pain in the right upper abdomen
- loss of appetite
- muscle aches
- headache
- drowsiness
- increased sweating
It is important to seek immediate medical attention if the treatment is associated with:
- tingling in the fingers
- difficulty walking
- production of light-colored stools
- dark urine
- jaundice
- itch
- uncontrollable tremors of arms or legs
- vision problems
- muscle weakness
- shortness of breath
- chest pains
- panic attacks
- skin rash
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Mefloquine
When taken to treat malaria, Mefloquine can induce vomiting. If you vomit within 30 minutes, you need to take another dose. If you vomit between 30 and 60 minutes after taking the mediation, then it is necessary to assume half a dose. If you continue to vomit after taking a new dose, it is necessary to consult with a doctor. The drug can impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery.
Mefloquine reduces the risk of being infected with the malaria parasite but it does not totally exclude the possibility of getting sick.
Before taking this medication, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you have any allergic reaction to Mefloquine, its active principles, quinidine, quinine or any other medication
- If you are taking any other medicinal products, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: anticoagulants, antidepressants, antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, antidiabetics, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, drugs for stomach problems and rifampin
- If you had ingested, within the previous 15 weeks, halofantrine or ketoconazole
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from QT prolongation, anemia or eye disease, liver or heart disease
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- If you need to undergo any vaccinations
