Article Contents ::
Details About Generic Salt :: Mefloquine
Main Medicine Class:: Anti Infectives Sub Medicine Class :: Anti Malarials
13J. ANTI-MALARIALS in 13. ANTI-INFECTIVES |
MEFLOQUINE |
4-QUINOLINE METHANOL DERIVATIVE (QUININE ANALOG) | ANTI-MALARIAL |
PK: A: Well absorbed D: ~20 L/kg (Vd) M: hepatic E: Primarily bile & feces |
Indications & Dose: MALARIA Prophylactic therapy PO Adult 250mg base given every wk, starting 1-3 wk before exposure & continued throughout the period of exposure & for 4 wk after leaving the area Child 5–16 kg: 62.5mg/wk, 16–25 kg: 125mg/wk, 25–45 kg: 187.5mg/wk, >45 kg: 250mg/wk, preferably started 2½ wk before entering endemic area & continued for 4 wk after leaving | Uncomplicated PO Adult 25mg/kg over 2-3 days Child Same as adult dose |
Contra: Hypersensitivity, patients with history of seizures/psychiatric disorder
Precautions: CVD, seizure disorders, children, driving should not be undertaken during treatment/at least 3 wks afterwards, hepatic/renal impairment, cardiac conduction disorders ADR: Serious: syncope, blurred vision, tinnitus, Seizures, blood disorders, Others: dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, myalgia, rash, fever, chills, headache, psychotic changes, depression, hallucinations, confusion, anxiety, fatigue, vertigo DDI: Serious Quinolones causes convulsions (additive adverse effects of both the drugs), Antidiabetics causes hypoglycemia, Coumarins effects increases by drug, Ketoconazole increases drug level, Antihistamines/Anti-Arrhythmics/CNS Depressants/Digoxin/Phenothiazines/Pimozide/β-blockers increases the risk of arrhythmias, Quinidine/Chloroquine/Quinine increases the risk of convulsions, Artesunate levels get altered by drug, halofantrine markedly increases in the QT interval, Rifampicin significantly reduces drug levels, Ritonavir steady-state modestly decreases by drug Diet: With food & with plenty of water Monitor: LFTs & ocular examinations |