Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Primaquine vs. Mefloquine

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

Key takeaways

Primaquine (generic name: primaquine) and Mefloquine (generic name: mefloquine) are both antimalarial medications, but they have some key differences. Primaquine is used to treat malaria caused by the *Plasmodium vivax* parasite and is taken once daily for 14 days. It can also be used off-label for malaria prevention. Mefloquine, on the other hand, treats and prevents malaria caused by both *Plasmodium falciparum* and *Plasmodium vivax*. For prevention, it is taken once weekly, starting 1 to 3 weeks before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria area. Mefloquine is not suitable for people with a history of mood disorders or seizures, while Primaquine requires testing for G6PD deficiency before use. Primaquine is not safe during pregnancy, whereas Mefloquine can be used during pregnancy but may not always be the best option. Common side effects of Primaquine include nausea and stomach pain, while Mefloquine can cause dizziness, mood changes, and unusual dreams.

  • Primaquine
    Mefloquine
  • Primaquine
    Mefloquine

  • Summary of Primaquine vs. Mefloquine

    Summary for Antimalarial
    Prescription only

    Primaquine helps treat certain types of malaria. It's also commonly used for prevention of malaria if you're traveling to a region where the disease is commonly found. This medication can cause stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea.

    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.

  • Indications of Primaquine vs. Mefloquine

    Indications for
    •Malaria caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite
    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.

  • Pros and Cons of Primaquine vs. Mefloquine

    Pros and Const for Antimalarial
    Pros
    •Good choice to treat certain types of malaria
    •Taken only once a day
    •Good for last minute travelers for malaria prevention; can start the medication 1 to 2 days before traveling
    Cons
    •Must be tested for a genetic condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency before starting
    •Can cause stomach upset
    •Can't be used in pregnancy
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Primaquine vs. Mefloquine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach pain or cramps
    •Dizziness
    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%)

  • Warnings of Primaquine vs. Mefloquine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low red blood cell counts in people with G6PD deficiency
    •Blood problems
    •Heart rhythm problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in mood and behavior
    •Heart problems
    •Feeling faint
    •Seizures
    •Nerve and eye damage

  • Prices with our coupons for Primaquine vs. Mefloquine

    Learn more about Primaquine
    Learn more about Mefloquine

Compare other Malaria drugs

Primaquine vs DoxycyclinePrimaquine vs MalaronePrimaquine vs MefloquinePrimaquine vs QualaquinAdoxa vs MalaroneAugmentin vs DoxycyclineCefdinir vs DoxycyclineCephalexin vs DoxycyclineCoartem vs MalaroneDoxycycline vs AzithromycinDoxycycline vs BactrimEpiduo vs FinaceaEpiduo vs MinocyclineFinacea vs DoxycyclineFinacea vs MinocyclineFlagyl vs MalaroneFlagyl vs MinocyclineMalarone vs BactrimMalarone vs ChloroquineMalarone vs PlaquenilMefloquine vs PlaquenilMetronidazole vs DoxycyclineMinocycline vs BactrimMinocycline vs ClindesseMinocycline vs MalaroneMinocycline vs TindamaxQualaquin vs DoxycyclineQualaquin vs MefloquineQualaquin vs PlaquenilRenova vs Minocycline
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.