mefloquine Health Article

What other drugs will affect mefloquine?

Do not take mefloquine with any of the following medications without first talking to your doctor:

• a heart medicine in the class called beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Lopressor), acebutolol (Sectral), betaxolol (Kerlone), carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), pindolol (Visken), timolol (Blocadren), and others;

• any medicine used to treat seizures;

• chloroquine (Aralen); or

• quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinaglute, Quinora, Quinidex) or quinine (Quinamm).

Taking mefloquine may be dangerous if you are taking any of the medications listed above.

Immunizations that use live attenuated (weakened) strains of bacteria should be completed at least 3 days before the first dose of mefloquine to ensure an adequate effect of the immunization.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with mefloquine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about mefloquine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Mefloquine is available with a prescription under the brand name Lariam in 250 mg round, white tablets. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.