Mefloquine

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Mefloquine

Mefloquine (pronounced: meh-flo-kwin) is an antimalarial drug used in the prevention and treatment of malaria. It is particularly effective against strains of Plasmodium falciparum that are resistant to other medications.

Etymology

The term "Mefloquine" is derived from its chemical name, 2,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-yl] methanol. It was first synthesized in the 1970s by the United States Army as part of its antimalarial drug development program.

Usage

Mefloquine is used both as a prophylactic (preventive) and therapeutic (treatment) agent against malaria. It is particularly effective against Plasmodium falciparum, a species of malaria parasite that is often resistant to other antimalarial drugs. Mefloquine is typically administered orally, in tablet form.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Mefloquine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, it can cause more serious side effects such as hallucinations, seizures, and severe psychiatric symptoms. Due to these potential side effects, Mefloquine is typically reserved for use when other antimalarial drugs are not effective or cannot be used.

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