Mefloquine (Mefloquine)

Additional information

Mefloquine  (Mefloquine) is typically given once a week (on the same day each week) to prevent malaria when traveling. For malaria treatment, it is typically given every 6 to 12 hours. However, your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. It should be taken with food and at least 240 mL of water. If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes after the dose, an additional full dose should be given, if it occurs within 30 to 60 minutes after the dose, an additional half-dose should be given. Tablets may be crushed and suspended in a small amount of water, milk, or another beverage for persons unable to swallow tablets. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, contact your pharmacist. 

WARNING: Mefloquine may cause low levels of red blood cells (anemia) and heart rhythm problems. Some people taking mefloquine may experience psychiatric symptoms (including depression, generalized anxiety disorder (a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear), paranoia (irrational and persistent feeling that people are 'out to get you'), hallucinations (hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling, or even tasting things that are not real), or others). Use with caution in patients with heart problems, seizure disorders, or liver impairment. If mefloquine is to be used for a prolonged period, tests evaluating the liver's function, evaluations for neuropsychiatric (involving the mental state) effects, and ophthalmic (eye) examinations should be performed periodically.

In addition to its desired action, Mefloquine  (Mefloquine) may cause some side effects, notably:
It may cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. 
It may cause dizziness, headache, fatigue, abnormal dreams, or trouble sleeping. 
It may cause loss of appetite, loss of balance, or spinning sensation. 
It may cause irregular heartbeats, or palpitations. 

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to mefloquine, related compounds (e.g., quinine and quinidine), or any component of the formulation. Do not use Mefloquine as a prophylactic (preventative) drug in patients with a history of seizures or psychiatric disorder including active or recent history of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, psychosis (when you experience reality in a different way to other people), schizophrenia (a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally), or other major psychiatric disorders.

Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. If you're planning a pregnancy, become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, contact your family doctor.

A treatment with Mefloquine  (Mefloquine) requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor for all regularly scheduled appointments.Mefloquine  (Mefloquine)