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Mefloquine

Malaria medication
Other names: Lariam

FAA guidance

Do not issue.

Wait

4 weeks

after the last dose

Examiner

Do not issue: the examiner cannot issue a certificate

Source: FAA, Malaria Medications. FAA date 12 April 2016. Checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026

The FAA calls mefloquine absolutely disqualifying for pilots: a pilot who uses it is disqualified for pilot duties for the duration of use and for 4 weeks after the last dose.

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More detail: mefloquineThe rest of Crosscheck's reading, in plain wordsOpen

Before returning to flight duties the pilot must contact the FAA or their aviation medical examiner, and there must be no history of neurologic or psychiatric symptoms during or after mefloquine use.

  • 28 days after the last dose: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: mefloquineThe official FAA wording: one passage, each with its document and dateOpen
FAA, Malaria Medications · FAA date 12 April 2016
This medication is absolutely disqualifying for pilots. Mefloquine (Lariam) is associated with adverse neuropsychiatric side-effects, even weeks after the drug is discontinued. Because of the association with adverse neuropsychiatric side-effects, even weeks after discontinuation, a pilot who elects to use mefloquine for malaria prophylaxis or who contracts malaria and is treated with mefloquine will be disqualified for pilot duties for the duration of use of mefloquine and for 4 weeks after the last dose. In this instance, the pilot must contact the FAA or his/her Aviation Medical Examiner prior to returning to flight duties after use.
Use of mefloquine must be discontinued for at least 4 weeks prior to consideration and:
For return to pilot duties there must be no history of neurologic or psychiatric symptoms during and or after mefloquine use.
Sources and dates: mefloquineOne FAA document, with the FAA's date and when Crosscheck checked itOpen

Medication guidance alone does not determine whether a pilot is medically qualified to fly. The underlying condition, dosage, side effects, medication combinations, and certification history may affect FAA eligibility.

For informational purposes only. Not legal or medical advice.