mefloquine and diving
Last edited 12/2019 and last reviewed 09/2020
Diving and mefloquine
- if the individual tolerates mefloquine prophylaxis, there is no evidence
that they cannot physically perform underwater diving
- however, mefloquine does lower the seizure threshold and its side effects could potentially be confused with decompression or narcosis events. It should also be noted that some sub-aqua centres do not permit those taking mefloquine to dive
- mefloquine might therefore be better avoided for those undertaking diving holidays but there is no contraindication to its use in occasional divers who have taken and tolerated the drug before, or those able to start taking it early to ensure that no adverse events occur (1)
Reference:
- Public Health England. Guidelines for malaria prevention in travellers from the UK 2019