Mepacrine Hydrochloride

How does it work?

Mepacrine hydrochloride is used as an alternative in the treatment of giardia infections. Giardia is an protozoal infection of the gut that enters the body through eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. The actual way that mepacrine hydrochloride kills the giardia parasite is not known. Mepacrine has also been used occasionally to treat discoid lupus erythematosus.

What is it used for?

Inflammatory skin disease known as discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)

Parasitic gut infection caused by the protozoa Giardia lamblia

Use with caution in

Decreased liver function

Elderly people

History of psychotic illness

Not to be used in

Psoriasis

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The manufacturer states not to use this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding as there is insufficient safety information available. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Avoid alcoholic drink whilst taking this medication.

Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.

Take this medication with or after food.

This medication may cause your urine to be coloured.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)

Partial or total failure of blood cell development (aplastic anaemia)

Skin disorders

Inflammation and flaking of the skin (exfoliative dermatitis)

Yellow discoloration of the skin and urine on long term treatment.

Headache

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Dizziness

Loss of contact with reality (psychosis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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