Influence of hemodialysis on plasma concentration-time profiles of mefloquine in two patients with end-stage renal disease: a prophylactic drug monitoring study.

Prophylactic drug monitoring of mefloquine and its carboxylic acid metabolite were studied in two patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing long-term hemodialysis treatment. The patients, short-term travellers to areas where malaria is endemic, took 250 mg of mefloquine (Lariam) once weekly for 2 weeks before and during their 3-week stay abroad and for one week after their return. Pre- and postdialysis blood samples were drawn before their departure and after their return. The concentration-time profiles of mefloquine and its metabolite in plasma samples taken before and after the 3- to 4-h dialysis sessions were similar. Mefloquine and its metabolite could not be detected in the dialysate. These findings show that mefloquine and its metabolite are not, or are very poorly, removed by hemodialysis. Concentrations in plasma and accumulation kinetics were similar to those reported for healthy volunteers and were associated with high prophylactic efficacy against malaria. No special dosage adjustments have to be made in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment to achieve concentrations in plasma similar to those in healthy volunteers. The prophylactic dose of mefloquine could be given before, during, or after the hemodialysis session.