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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Mefloquine

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Mefloquine

  • Tablets should be swallowed whole, after a meal, with a glass of water.
Prevention:
  • Start mefloquine two and a half weeks before departure, as this allows you to get used to the medicine, or see your doctor if you get side effects.
  • Doses are taken once a week, and for four weeks after return.
  • If you feel dizzy you should not drive or operate machinery.
  • Avoid being bitten by using screened doors and windows, room insecticides, wearing light-coloured clothing that covers the arms and legs, using insect repellents such as DEET or lemon eucalyptus-based products.

About mefloquine

Type of medicineAntimalarial
Used forTreatment of malaria
Prevention for travellers to countries with high levels of malaria
Also calledLariam
Available asTablets

Malaria is caused by parasites which can enter your body when you are bitten by a mosquito. Mefloquine works by attacking parasites once they have entered the red blood cells. It kills the parasites and prevents them from multiplying further.

Before taking mefloquine

Before taking mefloquine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver problems.
  • If you have a history of mental illness, or fits.
  • If you suffer from heart problems.
  • If you have had an allergic reaction to mefloquine or related compounds, e.g. quinine.

How to take mefloquine

Prevention:

  • Started at least one week (and up to 2 - 3 weeks) before travel.
  • Doses are taken once a week, and for four weeks after return.
  • Tablets should be swallowed whole, after a meal, with a glass of water

Treatment:

  • Dose should be taken as directed by your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

Prevention:

  • Start mefloquine two and a half weeks before departure, as this allows you to get used to the medicine, or see your doctor if you get side effects.
  • If you feel dizzy you should not drive or operate machinery.
  • Avoid being bitten by using screened doors and windows, room insecticides, wearing light-coloured clothing that covers the arms and legs, using insect repellents such as DEET or lemon eucalyptus-based products.
  • See your doctor if you are ill within 1 year of your holiday, and tell your doctor that you have been to a malarious area.

Can mefloquine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Side-effectsWhat can I do if I experience this
Nausea, vomitingEat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
If you are sick, drink plenty of liquid.
Loose stools or diarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Dizziness, loss of balanceMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Changes in mood, low moodSee your doctor as soon as possible.

How to store mefloquine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007DocID:
3351		DocRef:
dils2341		Last Reviewed:
8 Feb 2007		Version:
22
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