Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Mefloquine HCl oral

Mefloquine HCl oral Drug Category MEFLOQUINE - ORAL

Mefloquine HCl oral Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. MEFLOQUINE - ORAL (MEFF-low-kwin) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lariam USES: This medication is used to treat and prevent malaria. HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions regarding the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Carry the information wallet card with you at all times. Take by mouth, usually once a week, with food or milk to prevent stomach upset; or as directed by your doctor. Also take with a full glass (8 oz. or 240 ml) of water. Do not take this on an empty stomach. For children who cannot swallow the tablets whole, mefloquine may be crushed and placed in a small amount of water, milk or sugar water. It should be given with food and should not be taken on an empty stomach. The doctor will tell you the correct dose to use for your child. The dose is based on your child's weight. For children, early vomiting may occur after taking mefloquine. If vomiting occurs in your child within 30 minutes of taking the drug, give another full dose. If vomiting occurs 30 minutes to 1 hour after a dose, give a half-dose. If vomiting continues, check with your doctor for a different medication to use in place of mefloquine. When using to prevent malaria, the first dose of this medication should be taken one week before travel, or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication as prescribed for full course of treatment. It is important you not miss any doses and that you take the drug on a regularly scheduled basis. Remember to take it on the same day each week. Upon returning from the malaria area, you should keep taking this medication for 4 more weeks. If you are unable to finish this course of mefloquine, contact your doctor. If this medication is being used for prevention of malaria, it is important to understand that it is still possible to contract the disease. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a fever. Malaria is best treated if therapy is started early. SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, hair loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, strange dreams, or lightheadedness. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, seizures, muscle pain, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling of hands or feet, vision changes. If any of the following highly unlikely, but serious side effects occur; call your doctor immediately; you may need to stop using mefloquine and start another medication for malaria prevention: unexplained anxiety, mood changes, depression (sometimes severe, including rare thoughts of suicide), hallucinations, restlessness, confusion. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have the following medical conditions: active or recent depression, anxiety disorder, psychiatric disorders, seizure disorders, allergies to quinine or quinidine. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems, liver problems, other allergies. This medication may cause dizziness or loss of balance. Use caution when driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Use with caution in children. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: artemether-lumefantrine, chloroquine, halofantrine, quinidine, quinine, vaccines, ziprasidone. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol), drugs for seizures (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, valproic acid). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting and diarrhea. NOTES: Important to wear protective clothing, insect repellent, and use bednets when trying to prevent malaria. Periodic eye examinations and laboratory tests (e.g., liver function tests) should be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from sunlight and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.