Drug interactions
Mefloquine + Valproic acid
Severity: Moderate
Mefloquine and Valproic acid: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Mefloquine can lower serum valproate concentrations, and mefloquine itself may lower the seizure threshold. In a patient with epilepsy this may lead to loss of seizure control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefloquine and Valproic acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic; Valproic acid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
The mechanism of the reduction in valproate levels is not established; mefloquine also has intrinsic proconvulsant activity.
What to do
Avoid mefloquine in patients with epilepsy where possible and choose another antimalarial. If used, monitor valproate levels and seizure frequency.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Other interactions of Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefloquine with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Mefloquine and Valproic acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Mefloquine can lower serum valproate concentrations, and mefloquine itself may lower the seizure threshold. In a patient with epilepsy this may lead to loss of seizure control.
How serious is the interaction between Mefloquine and Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid mefloquine in patients with epilepsy where possible and choose another antimalarial. If used, monitor valproate levels and seizure frequency.
What other medicines interact with Mefloquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mefloquine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dronedarone, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Mefloquine page.
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