Mefloquine (Larium)

Category:

• Antimalarial

Description:

• Quinine structural analog

Indications:

• P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria acute treatment

• P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria prophylaxis

• Chloroquine-resistant malaria prophylaxis

Contraindications:

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C

• Do not take on an empty stomach.

• Drink at minimum of 240mL (8 ounces) of water with each dose.

• Patients administered mefloquine for acute malaria attack have high relapse rate, therefore also dose with primaquine.

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Vomiting (3%)

• Dizziness, syncope, hallucinations, visual changes

Dosage:

• Administered orally

• Acute attack:

  • 5 tablets (1250mg) as a single, one time dose

• Prophylaxis:

  • Initiate therapy one week prior to arriving in area, during stay in area and four weeks after leaving area

  • Adult: 250mg every week for 4 weeks, then 250mg every other week thereafter.

  • Children (dosing by weight):

    • 16-19kg: 62.5mg (¼ tablet)

    • 20-30kg: 125mg (½ tablet)

    • 31-45kg: 187.5mg (¾ tablet)

    • >45kg: 250mg