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Compare Mefloquine vs. Plaquenil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Mefloquine (generic name: mefloquine) and Hydroxychloroquine (generic name: hydroxychloroquine) are both antimalarial medications, but they have different uses and side effects. Mefloquine is primarily used to prevent and treat malaria caused by *Plasmodium falciparum* and *Plasmodium vivax*, and it is taken once a week for prevention or as a single dose for treatment. Hydroxychloroquine, also known by the brand name Plaquenil, is used not only for malaria but also for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It is typically taken once or twice a day. Mefloquine is not suitable for people with a history of mood disorders or seizures, while hydroxychloroquine can cause serious heart rhythm problems and needs to be taken with food or milk. Both medications have generic forms available, making them more affordable. Hydroxychloroquine can be used in children for malaria but not for lupus, whereas mefloquine can be used in children weighing more than 20 kg but is a last-choice option due to potential mood changes.

  • Mefloquine
    Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
  • Mefloquine
    Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

  • Summary of Mefloquine vs. Plaquenil

    Summary for Antimalarial
    Prescription only

    Mefloquine is a good option to prevent and treat certain types of malaria. It's taken once a week for prevention and as a one-time dose for treatment. The medication can't be used in people with a history of mood disorders or seizures.

    Summary for Anti-malarial agent
    Prescription only

    Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is a non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus in adults. It's also an antimalarial medication used to prevent and treat malaria in adults and children. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is taken by mouth, typically once or twice per day. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Mefloquine vs. Plaquenil

    Indications for
    •Treatment and prevention of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax

    Note: When used for the treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, you will need to combine mefloquine with another antimalarial medication called primaquine.

    Indications for
    •Uncomplicated malaria in adults and children
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
    •Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults
    •Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Mefloquine vs. Plaquenil

    Pros and Const for Antimalarial
    Pros
    •Good for prevention if you're taking a long trip, because it's only taken once weekly
    •Can be used in children weighing more than 20 kg
    •Available as a generic
    Cons
    •Has more side effects than other antimalarials
    •Needs to be started 1 to 3 weeks before traveling if you're using it to prevent malaria
    •Not a good option for people who with active depression, a recent history of depression, anxiety, psychosis, schizophrenia or other major psychiatric conditions, or history of convulsions
    Pros and Const for Anti-malarial agent
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can be taken once per day
    •Possible option for RA during pregnancy
    Cons
    •Need to take with food or milk
    •Interacts with commonly prescribed medications, such as certain blood sugar medications or antibiotics
    •Can't be used in children for lupus

  • Common Side Effects of Mefloquine vs. Plaquenil

    Common Side Effects for

    Most common side effects when used for treatment of malaria:

    •Dizziness
    •Muscle pain
    •Stomach pain
    •Nausea
    •Headache
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Skin rash
    •Fever
    •Chills
    •Tiredness
    •Loss of appetite
    •Ringing sound in ears (tinnitus)

    Most common side effects when used for prevention of malaria:

    •Vomiting (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea and vomiting (up to 37%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 37%)
    •Bloating (up to 37%)

  • Warnings of Mefloquine vs. Plaquenil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in mood and behavior
    •Heart problems
    •Feeling faint
    •Seizures
    •Nerve and eye damage
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious heart rhythm problems
    •Build-up of phospholipids (a type of fat)
    •Eye damage
    •Severe skin and allergic reactions
    •Lower blood cell counts
    •Hemolytic anemia (low red blood cells)
    •Suicidal thoughts
    •Lower blood sugar levels
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Mefloquine vs. Plaquenil

    Learn more about Mefloquine
    Learn more about Hydroxychloroquine

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