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Mefloquine Oral Uses and How to Use


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.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: MEFLOQUINE - ORAL
Pronounced: (MEFF-low-kwin)

Mefloquine Oral Uses

This medication is used to treat and prevent malaria.

How To Use Mefloquine Oral

Obtain a Medication Guide that must be provided by your pharmacist. Read the Medication Guide before you first start taking mefloquine and each time you obtain a refill. 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 ounces or 240 milliliters) 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.


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised October 2010 Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.