Mefloquine Pharmacology

Mefloquine

About Mefloquine
A synthetic quinine analogue, Antimalarial.
Mechanism of Action of Mefloquine
The exact mechanism of action of Mefloquine is not known. Malarial parasites digest their own haemoglobin and release highly toxic heme.This free haeme cause membrane lysis and kill the parasite.


Pharmacokinets of Mefloquine
Absorption: It is orally well absorbed after oral administration. Distribution: It is distributed in protein bound form and concentrated in melanin containing cells. Metabolism: some drugs undergo metabolism in the liver. Excretion: It is excreted mainly through urine.
Onset of Action for Mefloquine
A few days
Duration of Action for Mefloquine
N/A
Half Life of Mefloquine
2 - 3 weeks
Side Effects of Mefloquine
1.Nausea
2.Vomiting
3.Diarrhoea
4.Abdominal cramps
5.Bitter taste
5.Ataxia
6.Dizziness
7.Hallucination
8.Pruritis

Contra-indications of Mefloquine
1.Hypersensitivity to Mefloquine
2.Epilepsy
3.Anxiety disorder
4.Psychosis
Special Precautions while taking Mefloquine
1.Hepatic dysfunction
2.Renal impairment
3.Heart failure
4.Do not drive or operate machines during or up to 3 week
5.Epilepsy
6.Psychiatric problems

Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated.
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Use with caution
NEONATES: contraindicated
Indications for Mefloquine
1.Malaria (Treatment and prophylaxis of malarial infections)
Interactions for Mefloquine
Beta adrenergic blockers: Cardiac arrest may occur with concurrent mefloquine.
Chloroquine: Risk of convulsion may be increased.
Quinine or Quinidine: Do not use concurrently with mefloquine.
Valproic acid: Loss of seizure control and lower than expected valproic acid blood levels.

Typical Dosage for Mefloquine
Adult: Treatment of Malaria: 25 mg base / kg body weight in single or divided dose; Maximum dose: 1.5 g
Prophylaxis: 250 mg of salt /week taken 2 week before entering an endemic area and 4 weeks after leaving.
Children: 10 - 25 mg / kg body weight / week in single dose
Schedule of Mefloquine
H
Storage Requirements for Mefloquine
The drug should be stored in cool dark place. Keep out of the reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Mefloquine
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time to take the next dose then skip the missed dose.
Effects of Overdose of Mefloquine
Give supportive measures and treatment. Induce emesis or gastric lavage has to be done

Home Delivery for Mefloquine in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including mefloquine.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for mefloquine and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for mefloquine may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take mefloquine only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for mefloquine before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for mefloquine with the pharmacy.

Mefloquine is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for mefloquine might be better known than mefloquine itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have mefloquine in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for mefloquine.