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Pharmacokinetics of mefloquine in children aged 6 to 24 months

V Singhasivanon1, T Chongsuphajaisiddhi, A Sabcharoen

  • 1Department of Tropical Pediatrics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics
|October 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Mefloquine treatment (MSP) effectively cured falciparum malaria in young children (6 months-2 years) with minimal side effects. Pharmacokinetic results in these children were comparable to older children, indicating safe and effective dosing strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Tropical Medicine
  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Uncomplicated falciparum malaria poses a significant health risk to young children globally.
  • Effective and safe antimalarial treatments are crucial for pediatric populations.
  • Mefloquine, often in combination therapies, is used for malaria treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single-dose mefloquine-containing regimen (MSP) in children aged 6 months to 2 years with uncomplicated falciparum malaria.
  • To determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of mefloquine in this pediatric age group.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 12 children (6 months-2 years) diagnosed with uncomplicated falciparum malaria.
  • Treatment administered as a single dose of MSP (mefloquine 250 mg+sulfadoxine 500 mg+pyrimethamine 25 mg) at 25 mg mefloquine base/kg body weight.
  • Clinical follow-up for 28 days to assess cure rates and side effects; pharmacokinetic analysis in 9 children.

Main Results:

  • All 12 children achieved a complete cure with no recurrence of malaria during the 28-day follow-up period.
  • Minimal side effects were observed, suggesting a favorable safety profile for the treatment regimen.
  • Pharmacokinetic parameters (MRT, t1/2, tmax, Cmax, AUC, Vz/f) in young children were comparable to those in older children (5-12 years), with some differences noted compared to adult values.

Conclusions:

  • Single-dose MSP treatment is an effective and safe option for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in children aged 6 months to 2 years.
  • The pharmacokinetic profile of mefloquine in this young pediatric group supports the established dosing recommendations.
  • Further research into pediatric malaria treatment remains essential for global health initiatives.

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