Artesunate/mefloquine Artesunate/mefloquine Artesunate/mefloquine is a medication used to treat malaria. It is a fixed dose combination of artesunate and mefloquine. Specifically it is recommended to treat uncomplicated falciparum malaria. It is taken by mouth. Side effects are similar to the medications being used separately. Use is recommended as it decreases the possibility of either medications being used alone. Dose forms appropriate for children are also available. Artesunate/mefloquine came into commercial use in 2008. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. It is approved for medical use
Mefloquine events, about 11-17% of travelers are incapacitated to some degree. Mefloquine may cause abnormalities with heart rhythms that are visible on electrocardiograms. Combining mefloquine with other drugs that cause similar effects, such as quinine or quinidine, can increase these effects. Combining mefloquine with halofantrine can cause significant increases in QTc intervals. Mefloquine is contraindicated in those with a previous history of seizures or a recent history of psychiatric disorders. Women should not become pregnant and should use effective birth control while taking mefloquine. A retrospective analysis of outcomes in more than 2,500 women found no evidence that mefloquine was associated