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ANTIPARASITIC PRODUCTS, INSECTICIDES AND REPELLENTS › ANTIPROTOZOALS › AGENTS AGAINST AMOEBIASIS AND OTHER PROTOZOAL DISEASES › Other agents against amoebiasis and other protozoal diseases
mepacrine
P01AX05
Adult Dosing
- Giardiasis: 100 mg orally three times daily after meals for 5 to 7 days
- Refractory cutaneous lupus erythematosus: 50 to 100 mg orally daily
Pediatric Dosing
- Giardiasis (children > 4 years): 2 mg/kg (maximum 100 mg) orally three times daily after meals for 5 days
Indications
- Treatment of giardiasis
- Off-label: Refractory cutaneous lupus erythematosus
- Off-label: Chronic graft-versus-host disease
Mechanism of Action
- Acridine derivative that binds to DNA via intercalation, inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis
- Exerts antiprotozoal and immunomodulatory effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to mepacrine or other acridine derivatives
- Psoriasis (may exacerbate skin lesions)
- Porphyria
- Concomitant administration with other hepatotoxic or hematotoxic drugs
Adverse Reactions
- Transient yellowish discoloration of the skin and urine
- Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea)
- Dizziness, headache
- Psychotic episodes, nervousness, or emotional lability
- Aplastic anemia and severe bone marrow suppression (rare)
- Exfoliative dermatitis and severe skin eruptions
Drug Interactions
- Antimalarials and hepatotoxic agents: Increased risk of severe hepatic toxicity
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Potential for enhanced central nervous system toxicity
- Alcohol: May provoke disulfiram-like reactions or increased gastrointestinal distress
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use