Stereoselective pharmacokinetics of mefloquine in young children.
OBJECTIVE
the stereospecificity of mefloquine pharmacokinetics in children has been investigated.


METHODS
Twelve children aged 6 to 24 months were treated for uncomplicated falciparum malaria with a single oral dose of 25 mg.kg-1 racemic mefloquine in combination with sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine.


METHODS
concentrations of mefloquine enantiomers were determined using a coupled achiral-chiral chromatographic system. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using model-independent analysis.


RESULTS
Maximum plasma concentrations, areas under the curve and apparent plasma elimination half-lives were higher for the (-) enantiomer than its antipode. In contrast, the apparent volume of distribution (V/f) and total clearance (Cl/f) values were higher for the (+) enantiomer.


CONCLUSIONS
the stereoselectivity of mefloquine pharmacokinetics is similar to that observed in adults.
Bourahla
A
A
Hôpital Pitie Salpetriere Service Pharmacie 47, Paris, France.
Martin
C
C
Gimenez
F
F
Singhasivanon
V
V
Attanath
P
P
Sabchearon
A
A
Chongsuphajaisiddhi
T
T
Farinotti
R
R
D000962:Antimalarials / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D019540:Area Under Curve; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000188:drug therapy; D015767:Mefloquine / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013237:Stereoisomerism; D013785:Thailand
D000962:Antimalarials; D015767:Mefloquine