A phase II clinical trial of mefloquine in Brazilian male subjects

Abstract

Mefloquine was compared with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for safety and efficacy in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial in adult males from a malaria-endemic area of Brazil. A total of 99 oligosymptomatic and symptomatic volunteers with Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia took part in the trial; 49 were given 1000 mg of mefloquine and the remainder received 1500 mg of sulfadoxine plus 75 mg of pyrimethamine, in a single oral dose.Mefloquine was 100% successful in clearing parasitaemia within 7 days; there were no recrudescences. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine was less successful; 35 cases showed an S-type response, 8 an RI response, 3 an RII, and 2 an RIII response. The side-effects of mefloquine were mild and transient and included headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhoea. A satisfactory weight gain and rise in haemoglobin level were seen in both groups.