Mefloquine

Definition

A quinolinemethanol derivative with antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and potential chemosensitization and radiosensitization activities. Although the exact mechanism remains to be elucidated, mefloquine, a weak base, preferentially accumulates in lysosomes and disrupts lysosomal function and integrity, thereby leading to host cell death. Similar to chloroquine, the chemosensitizing and radiosensitizing activities of this agent may be related to its inhibition of autophagocytosis, a cellular mechanism involving lysosomal degradation that minimizes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) related to tumor reoxygenation and tumor exposure to chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. Compared to chloroquine, mefloquine has better blood-brain-barrier (BBB) penetration.

Also known as MEFLOQUINE — per NCIT

Also identified as

• ATC P01BC02 per RXNORM
• NCIT NCIT:C61827 per NCIT
• SCTID 387505001 per RXNORM
• SCTID 87567009 per RXNORM
• UNII TML814419R per RXNORM

Indications