Mefloquine Hydrochloride

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** The hydrochloride salt form of mefloquine, a piperidinyl quinidine with antimalarial activity. Although the exact mechanism of mefloquine hydrochloride is largely unknown, this agent acts as a blood schizonticide and probably exert its actions by interacting with the phospholipid bilayer, thereby interfering with the stability of the cell membrane and causing cell lysis. Mefloquine hydrochloride is active against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax.

**Synonyms:** - DL-erythro-alpha-2-Piperidyl-2,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4-quinolinemethanol Monohydrochloride - Lariam - MEFLOQUINE HYDROCHLORIDE - Mephaquin - Ro 21-5998/001