Health Dictionary
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Mefloquine microbiology
Introduction
| Mefloquine |
|---|
| MEFLOQUINE HYDROCHLORIDE® FDA Package Insert |
| Description |
| Clinical Pharmacology |
| Microbiology |
| Indications and Usage |
| Contraindications |
| Warnings and Precautions |
| Adverse Reactions |
| Drug Interactions |
| Overdosage |
| Dosage and Administration |
| How Supplied |
| Labels and Packages |
Microbiology
Microbiology
Mechanism of Action
Mefloquine is an antimalarial agent which acts as a blood schizonticide. Its exact mechanism of action is not known.
Activity In Vitro and In Vivo
Mefloquine is active against the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium species (see Indications And Usage). However, the drug has no effect against the exoerythrocytic (hepatic) stages of the parasite. Mefloquine is effective against malaria parasites resistant to chloroquine (see Indications And Usage).
Drug Resistance
Strains of P. falciparum with decreased susceptibility to mefloquine can be selected in vitro or in vivo. Resistance of P. falciparum to mefloquine has been reported in areas of multi-drug resistance in South East Asia. Increased incidences of resistance have also been reported in other parts of the world.
Cross-Resistance
Cross-resistance between mefloquine and halofantrine and cross-resistance between mefloquine and quinine have been observed in some regions.[1]
References
References
Adapted from the FDA Package Insert.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Chetan Lokhande, M.B.B.S [2]