Mefloquine Dosage
This dosage information may not include all the information needed to use Mefloquine safely and effectively. See additional information for Mefloquine.
The information at Drugs.com is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Usual Adult Dose for:
Usual Pediatric Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Malaria
Mild to moderate infections due to Plasmodium vivax or mefloquine-susceptible P falciparum: 1250 mg (5 tablets) orally as a single dose; alternatively, a regimen of 750 mg initially, followed by 500 mg 6 to 12 hours later has been used
The drug should not be taken on an empty stomach and should be administered with at least 8 oz (240 mL) of water.
In addition, primaquine should be given to patients with P vivax infections to eliminate hepatic phase parasites.
Patients with severe or life-threatening malaria infections should be treated with IV antimalarials. Mefloquine may be used to complete the course of therapy after IV therapy has been completed.
Usual Adult Dose for Malaria Prophylaxis
250 mg orally once a week on the same day, preferably after the main meal
Administration should begin 1 to 2 weeks before departure and continued for 4 weeks after returning. The dose should not be taken on an empty stomach and should be administered with at least 8 oz (240 mL) of water.
Patients should be advised that additional precautions are necessary (i.e., protective clothing, insect repellents, and bednets), and that they should seek medical attention if they develop a febrile illness after returning from an endemic area.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Malaria
6 months or older:
Mild to moderate infections due to mefloquine-susceptible P falciparum: 20 to 25 mg/kg orally once (maximum dose: 1250 mg)
The total dose may be split into 2 doses given 6 to 8 hours apart, to reduce the severity of side effects. Alternatively, 15 mg/kg initially, followed by 10 mg/kg 12 hours later has been suggested.
Experience with mefloquine in pediatric patients weighing less than 20 kg is limited.
The dose should not be taken on an empty stomach and should be administered with plenty of water.
A second full dose should be given if the patient vomits less than 30 minutes after taking mefloquine. An additional half-dose should be given if the patient vomits 30 to 60 minutes after taking mefloquine.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Malaria Prophylaxis
The recommended prophylactic dose is approximately 5 mg/kg orally once a week on the same day, starting 1 to 2 weeks before departure and continuing for 4 weeks after return. The dose should not be taken on an empty stomach and should be administered with plenty of water.
9 kg or less: 5 mg/kg orally once a week has been suggested
10 to 19 kg: 62.5 mg (1/4 tablet) orally once a week has been suggested
20 to 30 kg: 125 mg (1/2 tablet) orally once a week
30 to 45 kg: 187.5 mg (3/4 tablet) orally once a week
Greater than 45 kg: 250 mg (1 tablet) orally once a week
Experience with mefloquine in pediatric patients weighing less than 20 kg is limited.
Patients should be advised that additional precautions are necessary (i.e., protective clothing, insect repellents, and bednets), and that they should seek medical attention if they develop a febrile illness after returning from an endemic area.
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Dose Adjustments
In certain cases (e.g., when traveler is taking other medications), prophylaxis may be started 2 to 3 weeks prior to travel to ensure tolerance.
Precautions
Mefloquine is contraindicated in patients with a history of convulsions. It should only be used as curative treatment in patients with epilepsy if there are compelling medical reasons.
Mefloquine is not recommended for patients with cardiac conduction abnormalities. Potentially fatal prolongations of the QT interval have occurred when halofantrine was given concurrently or subsequent to mefloquine; therefore, this combination is contraindicated.
Prophylactic use should be discontinued and other therapy should be initiated if psychiatric symptoms occur.
Safety and effectiveness for the prevention of malaria have not been established in pediatric patients weighing less than 20 kg. Safety and effectiveness for the treatment of malaria have not been established in pediatric patients less than 6 months of age.
Dialysis
Hemodialysis: No adjustment recommended.
CAPD: Data not available
Other Comments
If a full treatment course has been administered without clinical improvement within 48 to 72 hours, alternative treatment should be given. Similarly, if previous prophylaxis with mefloquine has failed, it should not be used for curative treatment.
Tablets may be crushed and suspended in a small amount of water, milk, or other beverage for administration to patients unable to swallow them whole.
A Medication Guide (supplied by the manufacturer) must be given to patients when dispensing mefloquine for prophylactic use.
