Mefloquine
Information
Uses
Mefloquine is used in the treatment of malaria
How it works
Mefloquine is a weak base that reaches high concentration within the malarial parasite and causes accumulation of toxic heme pigment, which kills it.
Common side effects
Abdominal pain, Abnormal dreams, Anxiety, Chills, Depression, Diarrhoea, Dizziness, Fever, Headache, Altered heart rate, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Itching, Loss of appetite, Muscle pain, Nausea, Rash, Ringing in ear, Vertigo, Visual impairment, Vomiting, Fatigue
Available Medicine
Expert advice
- Consult your doctor before taking mefloquine if you have fits (seizures), any heart diseases or liver disorders.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience pain, burning, tingling, numbness in hands/feet and/or muscle weakness or problems in eyes or with vision after taking mefloquine.
- Do not drive or operate machinery while using mefloquine as it may cause dizziness and visual disturbances.
- Tell your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Mefloquine
Q. Is mefloquine safe?
Yes. Mefloquine is safe if used at the prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor
Q. Is mefloquine safe for babies?
It is not recommended for use in babies below 3 months and weighing less than 5 kg
Q. Is mefloquine an antibiotic/ a quinolone/ does it contain sulphur or sulfa/ contain quinine?
No. Mefloquine is an antimalarial drug with activity against malaria causing parasites. It is a quinine antimalarial and does not contain sulphur/ sulfa or quinolone