Abstract
Objective: the stereospecificity of mefloquine pharmacokinetics in children has been investigated.
Patients:
Twelve children aged 6 to 24 months were treated for uncomplicated falciparum malaria with a single oral dose of 25 mg⋅kg−1 racemic mefloquine in combination with sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine.
Methods:
concentrations of mefloquine enantiomers were determined using a coupled achiral-chiral chromatographic system. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using model-independent analysis.
Results:
Maximum plasma concentrations, areas under the curve and apparent plasma elimination half-lives were higher for the (−) enantiomer than its antipode. In contrast, the apparent volume of distribution (V/f) and total clearance (Cl/f) values were higher for the (+) enantiomer.
Conclusion:
the stereoselectivity of mefloquine pharmacokinetics is similar to that observed in adults.
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Received: 23 March 1995/Accepted in revised form: 26 October 1995
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Bourahla, A., Martin, C., Gimenez, F. et al. Stereoselective pharmacokinetics of mefloquine in young children. E J Clin Pharmacol 50, 241–244 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002280050100
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002280050100