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Childhood mefloquine-induced mania and psychosis: a case report

Rajoo Thapa1, Biswajit Biswas

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, The Institute of Child Health, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. rajoothapa@yahoo.co.in

Journal of Child Neurology
|March 20, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Mefloquine (an antimalarial drug) can cause severe neuropsychiatric effects, even in children. This case highlights a rare instance of psychosis in an 11-year-old girl, emphasizing the need for awareness in pediatric care.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience
  • Tropical Medicine

Background:

  • Mefloquine is a widely prescribed oral antimalarial medication.
  • Neuropsychiatric adverse effects are known but considered rare in children.
  • Plasmodium falciparum malaria is prevalent in Eastern India.

Observation:

  • An 11-year-old girl in Eastern India developed mania and psychosis.
  • These symptoms occurred after receiving a standard therapeutic dose of mefloquine.
  • The patient was otherwise healthy prior to this event.

Findings:

  • This case represents a rare instance of mefloquine-induced psychosis in a pediatric patient.
  • Diagnosis was established by linking drug intake to symptoms and excluding other causes.
  • The patient's symptoms resolved with risperidone treatment.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers should be vigilant for severe neuropsychiatric reactions to mefloquine in children.
  • This case underscores the potential for serious adverse events in the pediatric population.
  • Awareness and careful patient history are crucial for diagnosing drug-induced neuropsychiatric disorders.

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