Mefloquine contraindications: |
1. |
Known hypersensitivity to the drug. |
2. |
History of any proven or suspected liver abnormality within the previous 2 years. |
3. |
History of any proven or suspected thyroid abnormality within the previous 2 years, including any concurrent use of thyroid-stabilising medication. |
4. |
Concurrent use of drugs known to cause hepatocellular injury. Paracetamol and (especially) aspirin to be used with caution, since both can damage the liver and/or the thyroid.[34,40] Mefloquine users should not take recreational drugs. |
5. |
Concurrent use of oral contraceptive pill or HRT. Healthcare advisers should recognise that some female travellers will need alternative contraception. |
6. |
Concurrent use of drugs known to be thyroid hormone antagonists.[53] |
7. |
Up to 2 units of alcohol per day may be taken by users of mefloquine prophylaxis until 24 h before their weekly dose, and from 24 h afterwards. |
8. |
Mefloquine users should avoid concurrent use of any other quinoline derivative (eg, amodiaquine, chloroquine, primaquine, quinidine, quinine, tafenoquine), whether for additional prophylaxis or for treatment. |