Mefloquine is used in the prevention and treatment of malaria (a serious disease that is spread to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes).
Take Mefloquine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal with a full glass of water. Try to take it at the same time each day. When used for malaria prevention, take Mefloquine on the same day each week.
If vomiting occurs 30 minutes after taking this medicine, take another full dose. If it occurs 30-60 minutes after taking this medicine, take only half of the dose.
If you have difficulty swallowing tablet(s), you may crush the tablet(s) and mix it with a small amount of water, milk, or another beverage, stir and drink immediately.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Take Mefloquine at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Mefloquine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as quinine and quinidine.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- mental illness e.g. anxiety, schizophrenia (mental disorder that causes changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour), psychosis (losing touch with reality), depression, having thoughts of self-harm
- history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- blackwater fever (a complication of malaria affecting the blood and kidneys)
as Mefloquine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Mefloquine with other medicines used to treat malaria, such as halofantrine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine.
- Regular monitoring of signs of mental effects may also be needed.
You must also take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites. Use an effective insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce exposure. Avoid going out between dusk to dawn.
Mefloquine may cause dizziness, loss of balance, or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, weakness, fever, chills, chest pain, decreased appetite, muscle or joint pain, itching, rash, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, memory impairment, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- having thoughts of self-harm
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent, confusion, feelings of mistrust towards others)
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- unable to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
- pounding heartbeat, weakness, lightheadedness, blurred vision
- changes or loss of vision, eye pain
This medicine will cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, cough or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Mefloquine with halofantrine (other medicine to treat malaria)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- ketoconazole (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- other medicines used to treat malaria e.g. chloroquine, quinine, quinidine
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, valproic acid, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- medicines to treat depression e.g. escitalopram, fluoxetine, imipramine, amitriptyline, bupropion
- tramadol (strong pain killer)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat lung infection known as tuberculosis)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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