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Mefloquine Coupon - Mefloquine 250mg tablet

mefloquine

Generic
Used for Malaria
Used for Malaria

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Dalga Surofchy, PharmD, APh
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 29, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Mefloquine?

What is Mefloquine used 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.

How Mefloquine works

Mefloquine is an antimalarial medication. It prevents and kills two forms of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsLarium (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassAntimalarial
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Mefloquine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

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%)

Other Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Sudden drop in blood pressure
  • Changes or slowing of your heart beat
  • Hair loss
  • Emotional or mood changes
  • Seizures
  • Itching
  • Tiredness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Frequent episodes of fevers, tiredness, or chills (these can be signs of a sudden drop in white blood cells, which raises your risk of serious infections)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Aching joints and muscles

anxiety

blistering, loosening, peeling, or redness of the skin

chest pain or discomfort

chills

confusion

convulsions (seizures)

cough or hoarseness

dizziness

fainting

fever

hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)

irregular, pounding, slow, or fast heartbeat or pulse

irritability

lightheadedness

lower back or side pain

mental depression

painful or difficult urination

pinpoint red spots on the skin

red or irritated eye

restlessness

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

stiff neck

swelling of the ankles, feet, or lower legs

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Incidence not known

Blurred or loss of vision

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

disturbed color perception

double vision

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

halos around lights

hearing loss

hearing problems

loss of balance

loss of bladder control

muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities

night blindness

overbright appearance of lights

sensation of spinning

severe or continuing headache

sudden loss of consciousness

trouble sleeping

troubled breathing

tunnel vision

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea

emotional problems

nausea

stomach pain

Less common

Abnormal dreams

loss of appetite

skin rash

Rare

Loss of hair

Incidence not known

Acid or sour stomach

belching

flushing or redness of the skin

heartburn

indigestion

skin rash with a general disease

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

swelling

unusually warm skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Mefloquine

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Mefloquine

pharmacist

  • Take mefloquine with food and a full glass of water.

    • If you can't swallow tablets or if you're giving mefloquine to a child, you can crush the tablet and mix the medication with some water, milk, applesauce, or other foods.

      • If you're taking mefloquine for malaria prevention, make sure to take the medication 1 to 3 weeks prior to arriving at your destination, then weekly while in the malaria zone, and continue taking it for 4 weeks after leaving.

        • Mefloquine can cause dizziness, loss of balance, and unusual dreams. Avoid driving a car or doing anything that requires you to be alert until you know how mefloquine will affect you.

          • Mefloquine can be used in most parts of the world for prevention, except in southeast Asia. This is why your healthcare provider will check the CDC website and determine if mefloquine is the best option for you based on your destination(s).

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Mefloquine

            Is mefloquine only for adults?
            Children can also take mefloquine, but it is considered a last-choice option for children because of the possibilities of mood changes.
            What should I do if I throw up after taking mefloquine?
            If you throw up within 30 minutes of taking the medication, you should repeat the full dose. If you throw up again after 30 to 60 minutes of taking the repeated dose, take an additional half dose (half of your full dose).
            Can I mix mefloquine into food?
            Yes, mefloquine can be crushed and mixed with water, milk or other drinks if you have trouble swallowing tablets.
            Who should not take mefloquine?
            Talk to your healthcare provider about your options if you fall into any of these categories: people with a history of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, seizures, and certain heart conditions. Tell your healthcare provider about your full medical history so that they can make sure mefloquine is safe for you.
            Can I use mefloquine during pregnancy?
            Mefloquine is safe to use during pregnancy, but it may not be the best option depending on the type of malaria you are treating, or where in the world you are traveling to prevent malaria. Your healthcare provider will discuss all of the options during pregnancy that is specific to your case.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Mefloquine?

            Mefloquine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Changes in mood and behavior

            • Risk factors: History of mood and mental health problems

              Mefloquine can change your mood and behavior even after this medication has been stopped. These changes can include suicidal thoughts and behaviors, anxiety, paranoia, depression, hallucinations, and delusions. Don't take mefloquine if you have a history of major depression, generalized anxiety, psychosis, schizophrenia or any other mental health problems. If you don't have a history of these, but you experience unusual moods or behaviors, let your healthcare provider know.

              risk-warning

              Heart problems

              • Risk factors: Taking medications like halofantrine, ketoconazole, quinine (Qualaquin), or quinidine

                Mefloquine can cause a heart problem known as QT prolongation (changes in the beats and electrical signals of your heart). Certain medications that shouldn't be taken together are halofantrine (an antimalarial) and ketoconazole (an antifungal). Many other medications can also cause this heart problem, so let your healthcare provider know what medications you are taking before starting mefloquine.

                risk-warning

                Feeling faint

                Mefloquine can cause you to feel faint, dizzy, have ringing in your ears, and lose your balance. Don't drive or participate in any activities that need you to be alert before you become used to mefloquine. If you experience any of these problems, let your healthcare provider know.

                risk-warning

                Seizures

                • Risk factors: History of convulsions or seizures | Taking quinine (Qualaquin) or chloroquine

                  Mefloquine can raise your risk of seizures. Your risk might be higher if you're taking mefloquine with other antimalarial medications like quinine (Qualaquin) or chloroquine. Because of this risk, mefloquine shouldn't be used with these medications and shouldn't be used to treat malaria in people with a history of seizures. Let your healthcare provider know if you've had seizures in the past before you start mefloquine.

                  risk-warning

                  Nerve and eye damage

                  Some people taking mefloquine have had eye problems, including those affecting the nerves in your eyes. Talk to your healthcare provider or optometrist if you experience any changes in your vision.

                  dosage

                  Mefloquine dosage forms

                  The average cost for 8 tablets of 250mg of Mefloquine is $28.26 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 67.07% off the average retail price of $85.82.
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  250mg8 tablets$28.26$3.53

                  Typical dosing for Mefloquine

                  Each tablet contains 250 mg of mefloquine.

                  • Treatment of malaria in adults: Take 1,250 mg (5 tablets) by mouth as a single dose. Take this medication with a meal and with 8 ounces of water.

                  • Prevention of malaria in adults: Take 250 mg (1 tablet) by mouth once weekly while you are in an area or country where there is malaria. You must start the medication 1 week before arriving to the area with malaria, and continue the medication for 4 weeks after leaving the country with malaria. Take the medication on the same day and time each week with a meal. Sometimes your healthcare provider might have you start the medication 2 to 3 weeks before traveling.

                  • Treatment or prevention of malaria in children weighing 20 kg or greater: Ask your child's provider to see what the appropriate dose of mefloquine is. The dose will depend on your child's weight.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Mefloquine and other drugs

                  Mefloquine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Mefloquine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Mefloquine cost?

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                  Mefloquine (generic)
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                  contraindications-icon

                  Mefloquine contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Mefloquine will not be safe for you to take.

                  • Active or history of depression

                  • History of anxiety problems, psychosis, schizophrenia, or other major psychiatric conditions

                  • History of convulsions

                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Mefloquine?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Mefloquine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Mefloquine
                  Used 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.

                  $28.26 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Malarone (atovaquone / proguanil)
                  Used for:

                  • Prevention and treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum species

                  $51.68 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Quinine (Qualaquin)
                  Used for:
                  $36.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Mefloquine images

                  White Round 54 111 - Mefloquine Hydrochloride 250mg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "54 111".White Round 54 111 - Mefloquine Hydrochloride 250mg Tablet

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