The Basics
What is Mefloquine?
Used to treat malaria.
Brand names for Mefloquine
Lariam
How Mefloquine is classified
Anti-infective Agents, Antimalarials, Antiparasitic Agents, Antiprotozoal Agents
Mefloquine During Pregnancy
Mefloquine pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Mefloquine while pregnant
Mefloquine has been demonstrated to be teratogenic in rats and mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day. In rabbits, a high dose of 160 mg/kg/day was embryotoxic and teratogenic, and a dose of 80 mg/kg/day was teratogenic but not embryotoxic. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. However, clinical experience with Lariam (mefloquine) has not revealed an embryotoxic or teratogenic effect. Mefloquine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential who are traveling to areas where malaria is endemic should be warned against becoming pregnant. Women of childbearing potential should also be advised to practice contraception during malaria prophylaxis with Lariam (mefloquine) and for up to 3 months thereafter. However, in the case of unplanned pregnancy, malaria chemoprophylaxis with Lariam (mefloquine) is not considered an indication for pregnancy termination.
Taking Mefloquine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Mefloquine?
Very small amounts of mefloquine are excreted in breastmilk; the amount of drug is not sufficient to harm the infant nor is the quantity sufficient to protect the child from malaria. Breastfeeding infants should receive the recommended dosages of mefloquine.[1]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Very small amounts of mefloquine are excreted in breastmilk; the amount of drug is not sufficient to harm the infant nor is the quantity sufficient to protect the child from malaria. Breastfeeding infants should receive the recommended dosages of mefloquine.[1]
Possible effects of Mefloquine on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Mefloquine
Atovaquone and Proguanil, Doxycycline, Chloroquine.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Yellow Book 2018: Health Information for International Travel. New York: Oxford University Press. 2017. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/2018-yellow-book-about
2. Edstein MD, Veenendaal JR, Hyslop R. Excretion of mefloquine in human breast milk. Chemotherapy (Basel). 1988;34:165-9. PMID: 3262044
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
