Mefloquine
Brand: Lariam / generic mefloquine
Antimalarial
Quinoline-methanol
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 20 days |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | yes |
| Notes | Very long half-life (~2–4 weeks). Single-dose or split-dose treatment regimens; not used where mefloquine resistance is common. Avoid in patients with major psychiatric history or seizures. |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Severe
Adverse Effects:
Neuropsychiatric reactions (anxiety, depression, nightmares, psychosis), dizziness, nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, rare seizures.
Contraindications:
History of major psychiatric disorders, active depression, epilepsy or seizure disorders.
Precautions:
Educate patient about early neuropsychiatric symptoms; stop prophylaxis and switch regimen if significant adverse effects occur; caution in cardiac conduction disease.