Side Effects of mefloquine: A Synthesis of Findings from 24 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Mefloquine is a medication used for malaria prevention and treatment. However, mefloquine can cause serious side effects, and it is important to understand the risks and benefits. This review summarizes mefloquine-related side effects based on data published in scientific journals indexed in the PubMed and Medline databases.

Reasons for Side Effects

Mefloquine's side effects vary depending on its mechanism of action and individual's constitution. Mefloquine affects the nervous system and can influence mood and behavior. It can also affect the digestive and cardiovascular systems. The severity of mefloquine's side effects varies depending on the dosage, duration of use, and individual's constitution. Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions like depression or anxiety or neurological conditions like epilepsy are at a higher risk of experiencing mefloquine's side effects. 15

Common Side Effects

Neuropsychiatric symptoms

The most common side effects of mefloquine are neuropsychiatric symptoms. 16 reports that mefloquine is linked to acute neuropsychiatric side effects. Some individuals taking mefloquine may experience mood changes, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, delusions, delirium, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, violent behavior, dizziness, balance disorders, etc. 18 , , , , 6 , 1 , 17

Digestive Symptoms

Mefloquine can also cause digestive side effects. Some individuals taking mefloquine may experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. 19

Other Side Effects

Besides neuropsychiatric and digestive symptoms, mefloquine can cause visual impairment, hearing loss, cardiac arrhythmias, rash, urticaria, etc. 21 , 22 , 4 , 2

Side Effects Management

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

It is crucial to consult a doctor if you experience neuropsychiatric symptoms due to mefloquine. Doctors will evaluate the severity and cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment. Treatment for mefloquine's neuropsychiatric symptoms may include medication, psychotherapy, etc. 18 , 17 , 1

Digestive Symptoms

It is crucial to consult a doctor if you experience digestive symptoms due to mefloquine. Doctors will evaluate the severity and cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment. Treatment for mefloquine's digestive symptoms may include medication, dietary changes, etc. 19

Other Side Effects

It is crucial to consult a doctor if you experience other side effects due to mefloquine. Doctors will evaluate the severity and cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment. Treatment for mefloquine's other side effects may include medication, symptomatic treatment, etc. 21 , 22 , 4 , 2

Comparison Between Studies

Similarities

Many studies report that mefloquine can cause neuropsychiatric symptoms. 16 , 18 , , , , 6 , 1 , 17

Differences

The incidence and severity of mefloquine's side effects vary across studies. 16 , 18 , , , , 6 , 1 , 17

Points to Consider in Real-Life Applications

Mefloquine is an effective medication for malaria prevention and treatment, but it can cause serious side effects. When using mefloquine, it's essential to consult a doctor and understand the risks and benefits. 16 , 18 , , , , 6 , 1 , 17

Limitations of Current Research

Research on mefloquine's side effects is not yet comprehensive. We need to investigate the incidence and severity of mefloquine's side effects in more detail. We also need to develop effective preventive measures and treatments for mefloquine's side effects. 16 , 18 , , , , 6 , 1 , 17

Future Research Directions

Research on mefloquine's side effects needs to continue. We need to investigate the incidence and severity of mefloquine's side effects in more detail. We also need to develop effective preventive measures and treatments for mefloquine's side effects. 16 , 18 , , , , 6 , 1 , 17

Conclusion

Mefloquine is an effective medication for malaria prevention and treatment, but it can cause serious side effects, particularly neuropsychiatric symptoms. When using mefloquine, it's essential to consult a doctor and understand the risks and benefits. 16 , 18 , , , , 6 , 1 , 17

Literature analysis of 24 papers
Positive Content
9
Neutral Content
5
Negative Content
10
Article Type
1
0
1
8
24
1.

[Neuropsychiatric side effects of malarial prophylaxis with mefloquine (Lariam)].

Author: Minei-RachmilewitzT

Treat chloroquine-resistant malaria
Acute psychosis
Neurologic adverse effects
Psychiatric adverse effects

Mefloquine is an antimalarial drug that is effective in treating chloroquine-resistant malaria. However, there have been reports of severe neurologic and psychiatric adverse effects associated with its use.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Hebrew

2.

The anti-malarial drug Mefloquine disrupts central autonomic and respiratory control in the working heart brainstem preparation of the rat.

Author: LallVarinder K, DutschmannMathias, DeucharsJim, DeucharsSusan A

Neurological side effects

Mefloquine is an antimalarial drug that can cause neurological side effects. This study investigated the effects of mefloquine on the autonomic and respiratory systems in a rat model, finding that it affects the baroreceptor and chemoreceptor reflexes.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

3.

Determining the absolute configuration of (+)-mefloquine HCl, the side-effect-reducing enantiomer of the antimalaria drug Lariam.

Author: SchmidtManuel, SunHan, RognePer, ScribaGerhard K E, GriesingerChristian, KuhnLars T, ReinscheidUwe M

Antimalaria drug

The absolute configurations of the enantiomers of mefloquine HCl, an antimalaria drug, have been determined using NMR, ORD, and CD spectroscopy together with density functional theory calculations.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

4.

Addition of exogenous NAD+ prevents mefloquine-induced neuroaxonal and hair cell degeneration through reduction of caspase-3-mediated apoptosis in cochlear organotypic cultures.

Author: DingDalian, QiWeidong, YuDongzhen, JiangHaiyan, HanChul, KimMi-Jung, KatsunoKana, HsiehYun Hua, MiyakawaTakuya, SalviRichard, TanokuraMasaru, SomeyaShinichi

Cochlear protection
None reported

Mefloquine, a malaria treatment drug, was found to induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in cochlear hair cells and nerve fibers in cultured rat cochleae. However, treatment with NAD(+) protected these structures from mefloquine-induced degeneration by suppressing oxidative stress and preventing apoptosis. These findings suggest that NAD(+) could be a potential treatment for mefloquine-induced neurotoxicity.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

[Malaria chemoprophylaxis].

Author: PetersenJørgen Eskild

Malaria risk
Side effects

Malaria is a serious infection, and prevention traditionally relies on chemoprophylaxis during and after exposure. The risk of side effects from chemoprophylaxis needs to be balanced against the risk of infection. Atovaquone/proguanil has been registered in Europe for travels of up to four weeks, but in the United States there is no upper limit for the duration of use. It is not possible to prescribe efficient prophylaxis to pregnant women in the first trimester or infants below 11 kilograms of body weight travelling to tropical Africa.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : Danish

6.

Medication-induced violence others towards.

Author:

Violent behavior

This article discusses the potential for various drugs to induce violent behavior in patients. The frequency of these adverse effects cannot be reliably assessed, but it is important to inform patients about the potential for violent behavior and to encourage them to report any behavioral changes.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

7.

Mefloquine as a prophylaxis for malaria needs to be revisited.

Author: AhmadSundus Shafat, RahiManju, RanjanVikash, SharmaAmit

Malaria prophylaxis
Neuropsychiatric side effects

Mefloquine is a drug used for malaria prophylaxis. It has been used since the 1970s but has been linked to a number of neuropsychiatric side effects, including anxiety, sleep disturbance, depression, dizziness and psychosis, especially in patients with pre-existing psychiatric disorders. This paper reviews the side effects of mefloquine and calls for a revisit of its use in Indian drug policy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

8.

The use of a prodrug approach to minimize potential CNS exposure of next generation quinoline methanols while maintaining efficacy in in vivo animal models.

Author: SousaJason C, MilnerErin, CarrollDustin, McCalmontWilliam, GardnerSean, MoonJay, JohnsonJacob D, LeePatricia, AuschwitzJennifer, RoncalNorma, CaridhaDiana, TungteungAnchalee, ZengQiang, ReyesSean, SmithBryan, LiQigui, KozarMichael P, MelendezVictor, DowGeoffrey

Antimalarial treatment
Reduced CNS drug levels

This study investigated WR319670, a prodrug of mefloquine, as a potential antimalarial with reduced blood-brain barrier penetration. WR319670 showed comparable or superior efficacy to mefloquine in a mouse model with a sixfold reduction in CNS drug levels.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

9.

Retinopathy induced by drugs and herbal medicines.

Author: NenciniC, BarberiL, RunciF M, MicheliL

Drug-induced retinopathy
Retinal side effects

This paper reviews drugs that cause retinal side effects, with a focus on those newly suspected of causing retinopathy, including vigabatrin, gabapentin, sildenafil, tamoxifen, isotretinoin, interferon, and omeprazole. The paper also discusses retinopathy associated with herbal medicines and nutritional supplements.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

10.

Malaria prevention in the pregnant traveller: a review.

Author: RoggelinLouise, CramerJakob P

Malaria prevention
Travel safety
Anti-malarial safety
First trimester risks

Malaria is a serious health concern, particularly for infants and pregnant women in tropical areas. This review examines the current evidence for malaria prevention in pregnant travelers, analyzing the risks and benefits of both anti-mosquito measures and antimalarial drugs during pregnancy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

11.

Safety of antimalarial medications for use while scuba diving in malaria Endemic Regions.

Author: PetersenKyle, RegisDavid P

Malaria prevention
Diving related illnesses

The safety and efficacy of antimalarials for travelers in a hyperbaric environment is unknown. More research is needed to evaluate the potential for adverse effects that could mimic or increase the risk of diving-related illnesses.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

12.

Safety, Tolerability, and Compliance with Long-Term Antimalarial Chemoprophylaxis in American Soldiers in Afghanistan.

Author: SaundersDavid L, GargesEric, ManningJessica E, BennettKent, SchafferSarah, KosmowskiAndrew J, MagillAlan J

Malaria prophylaxis
Poor compliance
Side effects

This study found poor compliance with long-term malaria prophylaxis among U.S. military personnel deployed to Afghanistan, with more side effects reported with doxycycline than with mefloquine.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

13.

Artesunate-mefloquine combination therapy in acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria in young children: a field study regarding neurological and neuropsychiatric safety.

Author: FreySarabel G, CheloDavid, KinkelaMina N, DjoukoueFlorence, TietcheFelix, HatzChristoph, WeberPeter

Malaria treatment
Neurological side effects

The study found that there is a lack of data on neurological and neuropsychiatric side effects of mefloquine-artesunate combination therapy in African children, despite the fact that it is recommended by WHO for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in this region.

Clinical Trial, Phase IVPost-marketing surveillance. Monitors long-term safety/efficacy after approval.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

14.

Deaths and parasuicides associated with mefloquine chemoprophylaxis: A systematic review.

Author: Tickell-PainterMaya, SaundersRachel, MaayanNicola, LutjeVittoria, Mateo-UrdialesAlberto, GarnerPaul

Mefloquine safety
Low number of deaths

Prophylactic use of mefloquine for malaria prevention is associated with a very low risk of death. A systematic review identified only two deaths with a probable association to mefloquine, while the remaining eight deaths were categorized as unlikely or unclassifiable. There was one case of parasuicide with a possible causal association.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

17.

[Mood disorder after malaria prophylaxis with mefloquine (two case reports)].

Author: Oueriagli NabihF, TouhamiM, LaffintiA, AbilkacemL

Malaria prophylaxis
Depression
Mania
Mood disorders

Mefloquine, a malaria prophylaxis drug, can cause rare but severe neuropsychiatric side effects, including mania and major depressive episodes.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : French

18.

Limbic encephalopathy and central vestibulopathy caused by mefloquine: a case report.

Author: NevinRemington L

Malaria Prevention
Memory Impairment
Neurotoxicity
Psychosis

Mefloquine is an antimalarial drug that can cause neurotoxicity. This study describes a case of a patient who developed neurotoxicity after receiving mefloquine chemoprophylaxis.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

20.

Side effects of mefloquine prophylaxis for malaria: an independent randomized controlled trial.

Author: CroftA M, ClaytonT C, WorldM J

Malaria prophylaxis
No more toxic than chloroquine-proguanil
Side effects

Mefloquine was found to be no more toxic than chloroquine-proguanil in preventing malaria, with similar rates of side effects experienced by soldiers during a military exercise.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

21.

Eye disorders reported with the use of mefloquine (Lariam(®)) chemoprophylaxis--A drug safety database analysis.

Author: AdamcovaMiriam, SchaererMartin T, BercaruIsabella, CockburnIain, RheinHans-Georg, SchlagenhaufPatricia

Eye disorders

Mefloquine may be associated with eye disorders, including visual impairment and optic neuropathy. Travelers should be informed of the risk and those experiencing visual disorders should be referred to an ophthalmologist.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

22.

Mefloquine-induced pneumonitis.

Author: SoentjensPatrick, DelanoteMarc, Van GompelAlfons

Malaria prophylaxis
Malaria treatment
Gastrointestinal side effects
Neuropsychiatric side effects
Pneumonia

Mefloquine is used for malaria treatment and prophylaxis. Common side effects include gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric issues. This case report describes drug-induced pneumonia due to mefloquine, the third such case reported in the literature.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

23.

Reported side effects to chloroquine, chloroquine plus proguanil, and mefloquine as chemoprophylaxis against malaria in Danish travelers.

Author: PetersenE, RonneT, RonnA, BygbjergI, LarsenS O

Better compliance
Altered spatial perception
Depression
Strange thoughts

Mefloquine had better compliance than chloroquine plus proguanil, but also had a higher risk of central nervous system related symptoms.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

24.

Artemisinin-based combination therapies and their introduction in Japan.

Author: KanoShigeyuki

Fewer adverse effects
Malaria treatment
Rapid parasite clearance
Hemolytic anemia
Postmalaria neurological syndrome

Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the recommended first-line treatment for malaria. ACTs are effective against all types of malaria, have fewer side effects than other treatments, and can quickly clear parasites from the blood.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

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