Can mefloquine be used by a traveller intending to scuba dive?
A. A question arises regarding the use of mefloquine by scuba divers because of concern that potential adverse events from the drug may be confused with the symptoms of decompression sickness, or may pose a risk to a person undertaking diving activity. There is no mention of scuba diving within the SPC for Lariam®. The manufacturers state that because mefloquine can cause dizziness or a disturbed sense of balance, it is recommended not to carry out tasks demanding fine co-ordination and spatial discrimination during treatment with mefloquine. Mefloquine may be suitable for some scuba divers i.e. those who have taken and tolerated the drug before, or those able to start taking it early to ensure that no adverse events occur, however, it may be prudent to consider an alternative chemoprophylaxis.
