Mephaquin
Mephaquin contains Mefloquine, an orally active antimalarial agent. It acts as an erythrocytic schizonticide, destroying the malaria parasites inside red blood cells. It is used both for the prevention of malaria in travelers visiting endemic regions and for treating uncomplicated malaria. Due to potential serious neuropsychiatric side effects, it should be prescribed and used with caution.
Dosage by Body Weight
For prophylaxis: Typically 250 mg (1 tablet) weekly, starting 1-2 weeks before entering the malaria-endemic area, weekly during the stay, and weekly for 4 weeks after returning. For treatment: Total therapeutic dose is usually 20-25 mg/kg, often split into two doses taken 6-8 hours apart to reduce side effects.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy in infants under 5 kg or under 3 months of age have not been established.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Approximately 50 mg to 100 mg (approx. 1/4 tablet) total treatment dose
- Frequency
- Single dose
- Tracking Notes
- Pediatric dosing should be precisely calculated by a healthcare provider based on 20-25 mg/kg body weight.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Approximately 125 mg to 200 mg total treatment dose
- Frequency
- Single dose
- Tracking Notes
- For prophylaxis, 5-10 kg children usually take 1/8 to 1/4 tablet weekly if prescribed.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 250 mg (1/4 to 1/2 tablet for prophylaxis; up to 1 tablet total for treatment)
- Frequency
- Single dose (or weekly for prophylaxis)
- Tracking Notes
- For weekly prevention, the dose is typically 1/4 tablet (approx. 62.5 mg).
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 375 mg to 500 mg total treatment dose
- Frequency
- Single dose or split into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- For weekly prevention, the dose is typically 1/4 tablet (approx. 62.5 mg).
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy in infants under 5 kg or under 3 months of age have not been established. |
| 5-7 kg | Approximately 50 mg to 100 mg (approx. 1/4 tablet) total treatment dose | Single dose | Pediatric dosing should be precisely calculated by a healthcare provider based on 20-25 mg/kg body weight. |
| 8-10 kg | Approximately 125 mg to 200 mg total treatment dose | Single dose | For prophylaxis, 5-10 kg children usually take 1/8 to 1/4 tablet weekly if prescribed. |
| 11-15 kg | 250 mg (1/4 to 1/2 tablet for prophylaxis; up to 1 tablet total for treatment) | Single dose (or weekly for prophylaxis) | For weekly prevention, the dose is typically 1/4 tablet (approx. 62.5 mg). |
| 16-20 kg | 375 mg to 500 mg total treatment dose | Single dose or split into two doses | For weekly prevention, the dose is typically 1/4 tablet (approx. 62.5 mg). |
Formulation
Purpose
Prevention (prophylaxis) and treatment of malaria, particularly strains resistant to other antimalarials such as chloroquine.
Generic Name
MefloquineScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.