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.
