Mefloquine

Antimalarial medication

Mefloquine
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Mefloquine, sold under the brand name Lariam among others, is a medication used to prevent and treat malaria. It is effective against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, the parasites responsible for the majority of malaria cases. Mefloquine is taken by mouth.

Medical uses

Mefloquine is primarily used for the prevention and treatment of malaria. It is particularly useful in areas where chloroquine-resistant malaria is common. For prevention, it is typically started a few weeks before entering an area with malaria and continued for several weeks after leaving. For treatment, it is used in combination with other antimalarial medications.

Prevention

Mefloquine is used as a prophylactic agent for travelers to regions where malaria is endemic. It is taken once weekly, starting at least two weeks before travel to the endemic area and continuing for four weeks after leaving the area. This regimen helps ensure that the drug reaches effective levels in the bloodstream before exposure to malaria and continues to protect against infection after leaving the area.

Treatment

In the treatment of malaria, mefloquine is often used in combination with other antimalarial drugs to increase efficacy and reduce the risk of resistance. It is effective against both uncomplicated and severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum.

Side effects

Common side effects of mefloquine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and sleep disturbances. More serious side effects can include neuropsychiatric effects such as anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and seizures. Due to these potential side effects, mefloquine is not recommended for people with a history of psychiatric disorders.

Mechanism of action

The exact mechanism of action of mefloquine is not fully understood, but it is believed to interfere with the parasite's ability to metabolize and utilize hemoglobin. This interference disrupts the parasite's growth and replication within red blood cells.

History

Mefloquine was developed in the 1970s by the United States Army in response to the increasing prevalence of chloroquine-resistant malaria. It was approved for medical use in the United States in 1989. Since then, it has been widely used for both prevention and treatment of malaria, although concerns about its side effects have led to the development and use of alternative medications.

Society and culture

Mefloquine is available as a generic medication and is sold under various brand names, including Lariam. It is included in the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, which lists the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.

Related pages

• Malaria
• Antimalarial medication
• Plasmodium falciparum
• Chloroquine

Gallery

Lariam (Mefloquine) tablets