What is "mefloquine"

n. Category:en:Drugs An antimalarial drug with the chemical formula C₁₇H₁₆F₆N₂O, used for the prevention and treatment of malaria

n. an antimalarial drug (trade name Larium and Maphaquine) that is effective in cases that do not respond to chloroquine; said to produce harmful neuropsychiatric effects on some people [syn: mefloquine hydrochloride, Larium, Mephaquine]

Mefloquine, sold under the brand names Lariam among others, is a medication used to prevent or treat malaria. When used for prevention it is taken once a week and should be begun one or two weeks before potential exposure and continued for four weeks after potential exposure. It can be used to treat mild or moderate malaria but should not be used to treat severe malaria. It is taken by mouth.

Serious side effects include potentially long-term mental health problems such as depression, hallucinations, and anxiety and neurological side effects such as poor balance, seizures, and ringing in the ears. It is therefore not recommended in people with a history of mental health problems or epilepsy. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and a rash. It is not recommended in pregnancy unless other options are not available. It should not be used during breast feeding.

Mefloquine was developed by the United States Army in the 1970s and came into use in the mid 1980s. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. It is available as a generic medication. The wholesale price in the developing world is about 0.6 to 1.3 USD per dose. In the United States it costs about 10 USD a dose.