HealthNotes

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking mefloquine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Carry the information wallet card with you at all times.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Take it with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. Do not take the medication on an empty stomach. Take each dose of this medication with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water. If you have trouble swallowing the medication, the tablet may be crushed and placed in a small amount of water, milk, or other beverage.

For children, the dosage is based on their weight. Early vomiting may occur in children after taking mefloquine. If vomiting occurs in your child after taking this medication, call the doctor right away to see if your child needs to take another dose of the medication. If vomiting continues, check with your doctor for a different medication to use in place of mefloquine.

When using this medication to prevent malaria, it is usually taken once a week. The first dose of this medication should be taken one week before travel, or as directed by your doctor.

Take this medication as prescribed for the full course of treatment. It is important that you do not miss any doses and that you take the drug on a regularly scheduled basis. Remember to take it on the same day each week.

Upon returning from the malaria area, you should keep taking this medication for 4 more weeks. If you are unable to finish this course of mefloquine, contact your doctor.

If this medication is being used for prevention of malaria, it is important to understand that it is still possible to contract the disease. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a fever. Malaria is best treated if therapy is started early.