Artesunate+mefloquine
About Artesunate+mefloquine
Artesunate+mefloquine is a prescription oral medication primarily used to treat acute, uncomplicated malaria infections caused by certain parasites. It is highly effective in targeting these parasites in the blood to help resolve the infection quickly. Doctors prescribe it specifically to clear the infection and prevent it from worsening.
This medicine is typically prescribed as a 3-day, weight-based treatment course. Take each dose exactly as prescribed and complete the full course even if you start feeling better. You should take Artesunate+mefloquine with food, preferably a meal containing a bit of fat, as this helps your body absorb the medicine properly and reduces stomach upset. Rest well and stay well-hydrated during your treatment to support your recovery.
While taking Artesunate+mefloquine, you may experience mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or a temporary headache. However, if you notice serious signs like severe dizziness, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or yellowing of your skin or eyes, you must contact your doctor or seek medical help immediately.
Before starting Artesunate+mefloquine, tell your doctor if you have a history of liver problems, kidney issues, heart rhythm disorders, or any mental health conditions. Do not take this medicine if you have a history of serious psychiatric disorders, such as psychosis or severe depression, or a history of seizures, as the mefloquine component may worsen these conditions. If you have anxiety or any other mental health condition, inform your doctor before starting treatment so they can determine whether this medicine is suitable for you.
Certain medicines, alcohol, and smoking can interfere with how this medicine works or increase the risk of severe side effects like heart rhythm problems. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to weigh the benefits and risks before starting Artesunate+mefloquine.
Uses of Artesunate+mefloquine
Medicinal Benefits
Artesunate+mefloquine offers significant benefits for individuals fighting malaria by providing rapid and reliable relief from debilitating symptoms.
- Rapid parasite clearance: By targeting the malaria parasites at different stages of their life cycle, this medicine quickly reduces the parasite load in your blood, helping you recover much faster.
- High cure rate: The combination of two active mechanisms ensures a highly effective treatment, even against malaria strains that may have developed resistance to older single-drug therapies.
- Convenient oral dosing: The short oral treatment course makes it easy to complete the therapy successfully in an outpatient setting without the need for injections.
Directions for Use
- Artesunate+mefloquine can be taken with or without food, or as advised by the doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Swallow Artesunate+mefloquine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Artesunate+mefloquine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or spinning sensation
- Headache
- Stomach pain or loss of appetite
- Muscle pain or joint stiffness
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing
- Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or sudden confusion
- Unusual mood changes, severe anxiety, depression, or seeing or hearing things that are not there
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice) or very dark urine, which may indicate liver damage
Drug Warnings
- Check the packaging before use: Always inspect the blister pack and expiry date before taking your dose. Do not use the medicine if the packaging is damaged or the tablets have expired.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery: Artesunate+mefloquine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or problems with balance. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience these effects.
- Seek advice if you vomit after a dose: If you vomit within 30 to 45 minutes of taking the medicine, contact your doctor immediately, as you may need another dose.
- Avoid medicines that affect heart rhythm: Do not take Artesunate+mefloquine with other medicines known to prolong the QT interval unless specifically advised by your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about neurological or psychiatric conditions: Tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders before starting treatment, as this medicine may worsen these conditions.
Drug Interactions
The following medicines may interact with Artesunate+mefloquine and affect its safety or effectiveness:
- Medicines that affect heart rhythm: Taking Artesunate+mefloquine with medicines that prolong the QT interval (such as certain antiarrhythmics, antidepressants, or antipsychotics) can increase the risk of serious irregular heartbeats.
- Anti-seizure medicines: Some antiepileptic medicines may reduce the effectiveness of Artesunate+mefloquine or alter seizure control. Your doctor may need to monitor your treatment closely.
- Other antimalarial medicines: Using certain antimalarial drugs together with or soon before or after Artesunate+mefloquine may increase the risk of side effects or heart rhythm disturbances.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Artesunate+mefloquine as it may lead to increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Artesunate+mefloquine if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Artesunate+mefloquine should not be used during the first trimester.
Breast Feeding
unsafeArtesunate+mefloquine passes into breastmilk. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Artesunate+mefloquine.
Driving
cautionArtesunate+mefloquine may cause dizziness and vertigo. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionArtesunate+mefloquine should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking Artesunate+mefloquine if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Artesunate+mefloquine if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionArtesunate+mefloquine can be given to children aged 7 years and above if prescribed.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat fatty foods: Take each dose with a meal that contains some healthy fats (such as milk, cheese, or eggs) to significantly improve how your body absorbs the medication.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of clean, safe water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths to replace fluids lost due to sweating, fever, or vomiting.
- Get adequate rest: Give your body plenty of time to rest and recover, as fighting a parasitic infection requires a lot of energy.
- Avoid alcohol: Do not drink alcohol during your treatment, as it can increase the risk of liver strain and make side effects like dizziness much worse.
- Avoid grapefruit juice: Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can interfere with how your body processes this medicine, leading to increased side effects.
Special Advise
Inform your doctor about any history of psychiatric illness, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or severe anxiety neurosis as mefloquine may precipitate or exacerbate these disorders.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Malaria: Malaria is a mosquito-borne blood disease caused by the female anopheles mosquito. Malaria is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which carry the Plasmodium parasite. When the infected mosquito bites a person, the parasite is released into the bloodstream. The parasite matures in the liver and infects the red blood cells. Then, it multiplies in the red blood cells leading to malarial infection. Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, back pain, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and dry cough. The symptoms usually develop within 10 days to 4 weeks after the infection.
FAQs
Artesunate+mefloquine contains Artesunate and Mefloquine. Artesunate generates free radicals, inhibiting nucleic acid and protein synthesis of the Plasmodium parasites during erythrocytic stages. Mefloquine binds to haem and forms a complex which is toxic to the malarial parasite. Together, Artesunate+mefloquine helps in treating malaria.
Palpitation could be a side-effect of Artesunate+mefloquine. Palpitations are the sensation that the heart is pounding or racing. A minor fluctuation should not be a worry. Consult your doctor if you experience palpitations persistently.
Artesunate+mefloquine might lower the plasma levels of anticonvulsant drugs such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, valproic acid, and phenytoin. Therefore, Artesunate+mefloquine should not be taken along with anticonvulsant drugs. If no choice is available, dose adjustment of anti-epileptic drugs might be necessary. Please consult a doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes of taking Artesunate+mefloquine, take another dose of Artesunate+mefloquine. If vomiting occurs 30 minutes after taking Artesunate+mefloquine, half of the recommended dose should be taken. However, if it is approximately time for your next dose, take Artesunate+mefloquine in the recommended time.
Do not discontinue Artesunate+mefloquine on your own as it might cause a relapse of the infection. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Artesunate+mefloquine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulties while taking Artesunate+mefloquine.
Prolongation of QT interval might occur when Artesunate+mefloquine is taken along with cardiac drugs such as quinidine, amiodarone, disopyramide, and sotalol. Therefore, please consult a doctor before taking Artesunate+mefloquine with cardiac drugs.
No, it is highly recommended to take Artesunate+mefloquine with food, especially a meal containing a bit of fat or a glass of milk. This helps your body absorb the medication properly and lowers the risk of stomach irritation. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you struggle to eat.
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can increase side effects like dizziness and put extra strain on your liver, which is already working hard to process the medication and fight the infection. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.
Artesunate+mefloquine is generally avoided during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, unless your doctor decides that the benefit of treating malaria outweighs the risks to the unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor.
You should avoid driving, riding a bicycle, or operating machinery while taking this medicine, as it can cause dizziness, sleepiness, or a loss of balance. Wait to see how the medicine affects you before attempting these activities. Talk to your doctor.
You must inform your doctor if you have a history of depression, severe anxiety, or other mental health conditions. A component of Artesunate+mefloquine can sometimes cause or worsen psychiatric side effects, so your doctor may recommend a different treatment. Talk to your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
