Mefloquine

Y. Vivian Tsai, Pharm.D., Edina Avdic, Pharm.D.
Pediatric Dosing Author: Bethany Sharpless Chalk, Pharm.D., BCPPS

INDICATIONS

FDA

  • Malaria prophylaxis, in areas without mefloquine resistance[10]
  • Malaria treatment[11]
    • Treatment of mild–moderate malaria caused by susceptible P. falciparum and P. vivax.
      • Clinical data are insufficient for P. ovale and P. malariae.

NON-FDA INDICATIONS

  • CDC recommendations: Mefloquine only when preferred treatment options are not available or cannot be used.
    • Uncomplicated disease due to P. falciparum or an unknown species when preferred options cannot be used.
    • Severe malaria (non-FDA): If IV artesunate is not immediately available, mefloquine may be used only as interim oral therapy while obtaining IV artesunate, and only when artemether-lumefantrine, atovaquone-proguanil, and quinine cannot be used.
    • P. vivax or P. ovale, including chloroquine-resistant areas in Papua New Guinea/Indonesia

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Last updated: October 11, 2026