Where it may be relevant
- Destinations where mefloquine remains an effective recommended option
- Long trips where weekly rather than daily dosing might otherwise be considered
- Only people who pass a careful mental-health, neurological and cardiac assessment
Dose schedules.
The clinician will select the appropriate licensed schedule after reviewing age, health, previous doses and departure date.
Weekly prevention
Only clinically suitable travellers
Before travelStart 2–3 weeks before
During travelTake weekly
After travelContinue for 4 weeks
Currently unavailable from this clinic. Starting early helps identify adverse effects before travel.
Who may be eligible
- A prescriber must confirm destination suitability and absence of contraindications
- Starting sufficiently early allows tolerance to be assessed before departure
Who may not be eligible
- Current or previous depression, generalised anxiety disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, suicide attempt or other specified psychiatric disorder
- History of convulsions, severe liver impairment or blackwater fever
- Important cardiac conditions, interacting medicines, pregnancy and breastfeeding require product-specific assessment
Potential side effects
- Nausea, abdominal symptoms, dizziness, headache or sleep disturbance
- Abnormal dreams, anxiety or mood changes
- Balance problems may persist after stopping in some people
Important risks and precautions
- Potentially serious neuropsychiatric reactions can occur and may persist after discontinuation
- Stop and seek medical advice promptly if psychiatric symptoms, nightmares, marked anxiety, confusion or balance disturbance develop
- No antimalarial guarantees protection; bite avoidance and urgent fever assessment remain essential
Clinical references
Further information.
Information is general and does not replace a personal assessment, prescribing decision or the latest destination-specific advice.