What it is used for
- Prevention of malaria for travellers to certain regions
- Treatment of malaria caused by sensitive parasite strains
How it works
Mefloquine kills malaria parasites in the blood by interfering with their ability to survive inside red blood cells.
How it is taken
Taken as oral tablets, usually with food and plenty of water. For prevention it is taken once weekly, started before travel and continued for a period afterward; for treatment a short course is used. Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist directs.
No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Vivid or disturbing dreams
- Difficulty sleeping
Serious effects — get help
- New or worsening anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, or thoughts of harming yourself — stop and seek urgent care
- Seizures — seek emergency care
- Irregular heartbeat or fainting — seek urgent care
- Severe dizziness, balance problems, or ringing in the ears that may persist — contact your clinician
If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.
Interactions to watch
- Other medicines that affect heart rhythm
- Some antiepileptic medicines (effect may be reduced)
- Other antimalarials such as quinine or chloroquine
- Medicines affecting mood or the nervous system
Who should take care
- Tell your clinician about any history of depression, anxiety, psychiatric illness, or seizures, as it may not be suitable
- Report heart-rhythm or liver conditions
- Because of possible neurological and psychiatric effects, you may be advised to start it before travel to check tolerance
- Inform your clinician if pregnant or breastfeeding
- Avoid in activities needing fine balance if you feel affected