Let's learn about Mefloquine tablets for malaria.

You've probably heard of malaria, right? Maybe someone you know has had it. Or maybe you're planning to go to a malaria-prone area, maybe a jungle area. So, one of the medicines that can be given to prevent malaria and cure it if you do get it is called Mefloquine . Let's talk about this medicine in more detail today. To be precise, there are a few things you need to know if you use this medicine.

What is this medicine called Mefloquine used for?

Simply put, Mefloquine is used to prevent malaria infection and to treat malaria if it occurs. Sometimes doctors may use this medicine for other things as well. So if you have any questions, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What are the important things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?

Okay, now this is the really important part. Before the doctor gives you this mefloquine, there are a few things you need to know. Because you need to be especially careful when using this medicine with these conditions.

If you have any of these conditions, don't forget to tell your doctor:

• Have you ever had anxiety or panic attacks before?
• Have you ever had a mental disorder such as confusion or depression ? Or have you been treated for, or have you had a history of, other mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia , paranoia , or psychosis ?
• Do you have heart disease ?
• Do you have liver disease ?
• Are you constantly restless and unable to stay in one place ?
• Have you had any previous conditions such as seizures or epilepsy /convulsions ?
• Have you ever had an allergic reaction to medications such as mefloquine, hydroxymefloquine, quinidine, quinine, or any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives?
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, say so.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should also mention that.

It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor these things without hiding them.

How do you use this medicine correctly?

These tablets are to be taken by mouth. Take them with a glass of water . Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is best to take this medicine with a meal .

• To prevent malaria: You should start taking this medicine about a week before you enter an area where malaria is common. You should also continue taking it for 4 weeks after you leave the area. Remember to take your dose at the same time every week, on the same day. Do not take more than your doctor tells you to.
• If you are being treated for malaria: In such cases, the doctor will give you a single dose of medicine.
• If you are in a malaria-prone area for an extended period of time: Talk to your doctor for advice on how to take your medication in such a situation.

When you get this medicine from the pharmacy, you will be given a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) . Read it carefully every time you get the medicine and every time you get a refill. It contains a lot of important information.

If giving this medicine to children: Talk to a pediatrician about this. In some selected cases, this medicine can be given to children as young as 6 months, but there are precautions that apply.

Overdose: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Important: This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others.

What do you do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take double or extra doses.

What other medications may interact with this medicine? (Drug Interactions)

This is also something to be very careful about. There are some medications that can cause problems if taken together with Mefloquine.

Do not take Mefloquine with the following medications:

• Some medications used to treat fungal infections include: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole.
• `cisapride`
• `dronedarone`
• `halofantrine`
• `pimozide`
• `quinidine`
• `quinine`
• `thioridazine`

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• `chloroquine`
• Some medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances.
• Some medications for irregular heartbeat.
• Some medications used to treat seizures, for example: valproic acid, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin.
• Other medications that cause abnormal heart rhythms (prolong the QT interval), for example: `dofetilide`, `ziprasidone`.
• Phenothiazines, for example: chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine.
• `propranolol`
• Typhoid vaccine

This list does not include all interactions. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (including prescription and nonprescription medicines, herbal products, and vitamins). Also tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some things can interact with your medicine.

What are the things to be careful about when using this medicine?

• If your symptoms do not start to improve within a few days, tell your doctor or a healthcare professional.
• If you are taking this medicine for a long time, see your doctor regularly for regular checkups.
• If you notice any changes in your vision , see an ophthalmologist and have your eyes checked.
• If you develop a fever , either while taking this medicine or after you finish taking it, do not try to treat it yourself. See a doctor immediately.
• You may feel drowsy or dizzy . Do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not get up, sit, or walk quickly, especially if you are elderly. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.

Protection from mosquitoes in malaria-prone areas

Even if you take this medicine, you should still take steps to protect yourself from mosquitoes when you are in areas where malaria is common. This includes:

• Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms.
• Sleep under mosquito netting (if possible, one treated with an insecticide containing pyrethrum).
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, blouses, and long pants.
• Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET to exposed areas of skin.
• Use a flying insect spray containing pyrethrum.

Very important: If you are currently taking this medicine, or within 3 weeks of taking this medicine, you should not take `halofantrine` (another malaria medicine). It can cause dangerous heart side effects. Talk to your doctor about this.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like all medicines, Mefloquine can cause side effects in some people.

If you experience any of these side effects, tell your doctor or a healthcare professional as soon as possible:

• Anxiety, fear (anxious)
• Blurred vision, or change in vision
• Confusion
• A depressed mood
• Dizziness
• Fainting spells
• Fever or chills
• Hallucination, loss of contact with reality
• Headaches, confusion, or other mental changes
• Hearing problems
• Joint or muscle aches
• Loss of balance or coordination problems
• Paranoid, feelings of mistrust
• Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Restlessness
• Ringing in the ears
• Seizures
• Skin rash, itching (there may be severe itching without a rash)
• Trouble sleeping
• Unusual behavior
• Unusual changes in heart rate or other heart problems
• Feeling unusually weak or tired
• Vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical treatment, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:

• Drowsiness
• Hair loss
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Mild diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain or upset

This list does not include all possible side effects. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep it out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Throw away any medicine that has passed its expiration date.

Finally, what to remember (Take-Home Message)

Mefloquine is an important drug for preventing and treating malaria. However, there are some things to be careful about when using it. Especially if you have other diseases or are taking other medications, tell your doctor about all of them.

Never use this medicine without the advice of a doctor or give it to others. If you have any further questions about this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional.

Your health is what matters!

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