Mefloquine use while Breastfeeding
Drugs containing Mefloquine: Lariam
Mefloquine Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Very small amounts of mefloquine are excreted in breastmilk; the amount of drug is not sufficient to harm the infant nor is the quantity sufficient to protect the child from malaria. Breastfeeding infants should receive the recommended dosages of mefloquine.[1]
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Two women who were 2 to 3 days postpartum were given mefloquine 250 mg orally. In one woman who provided milk samples periodically for 56 days, the milk mefloqine level declined from 53 to 32 mcg/L over this period. The average half-life in breastmilk for the 2 women was 16.6 days. The authors estimated that an exclusively breastfed infant would receive an average of 3.8% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage of mefloquine after a single dose. However, this value could be higher with weekly doses because of accumulation.[2]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible Effects on Lactation
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternate Drugs to Consider
References
1. Arguin PM, Steele SF. Chapter 2. The pre-travel consultation. Malaria. In. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Health Information for International Travel 2010. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. 2009. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-2/malaria.aspx
2. Edstein MD, Veenendaal JR, Hyslop R. Excretion of mefloquine in human breast milk. Chemotherapy (Basel). 1988;34:165-9. PMID: 3262044
Mefloquine Identification
Substance Name
CAS Registry Number
53230-10-7
Drug Class
- Antiinfective Agents
- Antimalarials
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
294
Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.
Last Revision Date
2010-02-12
Disclaimer
Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
See Also...
- Mefloquine use during Pregnancy
- Mefloquine Consumer Information
- Breastfeeding Support Group
- Safe Medications during Breastfeeding
- Medicine use while Breastfeeding
- Medicine use during Pregnancy
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