Mefloquine Oral Tablet (MEFLOQUINE - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • prevent malaria
  • malaria

Generic Name: Mefloquine

Instructions

If unable to swallow the tablet, crush and mix with water, milk, or other liquids. Mix well and drink immediately.

Take the medicine with food or milk.

Do not take on an empty stomach.

Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Notify your doctor if vomiting occurs within 1 hour after taking the medicine.

If you are using this medicine regularly, it is important to take each dose of medicine on time. Keep taking the medicine even if you feel well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

If you drink more than a few alcoholic beverages each day, ask your doctor whether you should be on this medicine.

Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • diarrhea
  • headaches
  • muscle pain
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • loss of balance
  • change in behavior
  • changes in memory, mood, or thinking
  • confusion
  • depression or feeling sad
  • dizziness
  • ear problems (ringing in the ears, hearing loss)
  • fainting
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
  • lightheadedness
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • seizures
  • suicidal thoughts
  • blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.