In the pharmaceutical industry, Mefloquine Hydrochloride is a 4-quinoline methanol derivative and a potent blood schizontocidal antimalarial. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I classify this as a “Long-Acting Protector,” used both for the acute treatment of malaria and for long-term prophylaxis (prevention).

At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, you likely manufacture this as Mefloquine 250 mg tablets, which are a staple for travelers and residents in malaria-endemic regions.

Primary Clinical Uses

• Prophylaxis (Prevention): The drug of choice for travelers going to areas where there is a high risk of Chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum.

• Acute Treatment: Used to treat uncomplicated malaria caused by P. falciparum or P. vivax.

• Combination Therapy: Often paired with Artesunate (Artesunate + Mefloquine FDC) to ensure rapid clearance and prevent the development of drug resistance.

Mechanism of Action: The Parasite “Stun”

Mefloquine targets the malaria parasite while it is inside the human red blood cell.

Heme Disruption: Like other quinolines, it interferes with the parasite’s ability to detoxify heme (a byproduct of hemoglobin digestion).

Vacuole Damage: It causes swelling and destruction of the parasite’s food vacuole, effectively “starving” it and causing it to drown in its own toxic waste products.

Long Persistence: The defining feature of Mefloquine is its half-life of 2–3 weeks. This allows for the convenient once-weekly dosing used in prophylaxis.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export

From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai, Mefloquine requires specialized marketing and regulatory attention:

• The “Neuropsychiatric” Caveat: As a pharmacist, you know Mefloquine is associated with “vivid dreams” or anxiety in some patients. On your digital platforms, highlighting that your Product Information Leaflet (PIL) includes a clear “Patient Safety Screening” guide builds immense professional trust with international distributors.

• Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) Strategy: For your marketplace, you should highlight the Artesunate 100 mg + Mefloquine 200 mg combination. This FDC is highly sought after by NGOs because it simplifies the regimen and increases patient compliance in field conditions.

• Stability for Export: Mefloquine is relatively stable but sensitive to light. At our facility, we utilize Alu-Alu blister packaging to ensure a 36-month shelf life, which is essential for export to tropical Zone IVb regions (Africa/Southeast Asia).

• Dossier Readiness: We maintain full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm in bidding for massive government and travel-clinic tenders worldwide.