Lariam

DRUG TITLE

Lariam (Mefloquine)

INDICATIONS

Lariam (Mefloquine) is a medication to treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites. This medicine works by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of the human body.

Parasites that cause malaria typically enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia.

Mefloquine is used to treat or prevent malaria.

Mefloquine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

INSTRUCTIONS

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

It is important to use this medication regularly to best prevent malaria. If you stop using the medication early for any reason, talk to your doctor about other forms of malaria prevention.

If you have trouble swallowing the mefloquine tablet, you may crush the tablet and mix it into a small glass of milk, water, or other beverage to make swallowing easier.

If you vomit within 1 hour after taking this medication, take another half dose. If your vomiting continues, call your doctor.

If you are taking this medicine to prevent malaria:

Start taking the medicine 1 week before entering an area where malaria is common. Continue taking the medicine once weekly during your stay and for at least 4 weeks after you leave the area.

Take your weekly dose on the same day each week.

If you stop taking the medicine early for any reason, contact a healthcare professional about another form of malaria prevention.

If you are taking mefloquine to treat malaria:

Take five (5) tablets at one time, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Do not take mefloquine on an empty stomach.
Take the medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

In addition to taking mefloquine, use protective clothing, insect repellents, and mosquito netting around your bed to further prevent mosquito bites that could cause malaria.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function may need to be tested with blood tests on a regular basis. You may also need regular eye exams. Do not miss any visits to your doctor.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have been exposed to malaria, or if you have fever or other symptoms of illness during or after a stay in an area where malaria is common.

No medication is 100% effective in treating or preventing malaria. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if you have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea during your treatment.

DOSAGE

Adult Patients

Five tablets (1250 mg) mefloquine hydrochloride to be given as a single oral dose. The drug should not be taken on an empty stomach and should be administered with at least 8 oz (240 mL) of water.

If a full-treatment course with Lariam (mefloquine) does not lead to improvement within 48 to 72 hours, Lariam (mefloquine) should not be used for retreatment. An alternative therapy should be used. Similarly, if previous prophylaxis with mefloquine has failed, Lariam (mefloquine) should not be used for curative treatment.

Malaria Prophylaxis

The recommended prophylactic dose of Lariam (mefloquine) is approximately 5 mg/kg body weight once weekly. One 250 mg Lariam (mefloquine) tablet should be taken once weekly in pediatric patients weighing over 45 kg. In pediatric patients weighing less than 45 kg, the weekly dose decreases in proportion to body weight:

30 to 45 kg: 3/4 tablet

20 to 30 kg: 1/2 tablet

Experience with Lariam (mefloquine) in pediatric patients weighing less than 20 kg is limited.

STORAGE

Store mefloquine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

MORE INFO:

Active ingredient: Mefloquine

Warning /precautions

Do not take Lariam if you are allergic to any of its components, quinine or quinidine. 

This drug intake is prohibited in case of the following diseases: active or recent depression, disorders, psychic disorders, epilepsy. 

Inform your doctor about your medical history such as heart and liver problems. 

Drug can cause giddiness or fainting. Be cautious when driving or doing other activity requiring attention. Children should be cautious when taking this drug.

Take this drug during pregnancy only in case of necessity. This drug is absorbed by mother milk. Do not do breast feeding during Lariam intake.

Side effects

This drug can cause diarrhea, stomach upset, vomiting, nausea, high temperature, hair fall, ear ringing, giddiness, sleepiness, headache, insomnia, weird dreams. These effects should get away after adaptation to this drug. Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist or irritate. Consult your doctor in case if rare serious side effects arise:  frequent, slow or irregular heartbeat, spasms, muscle pains, loss of coordination, hands or legs dumbness or twinges, vision changes.

Contact your doctor immediately and possibly stop the drug intake in case if the following symptoms occur:  unexplained anxiety, mood changes, depression (sometimes heavy including suicide thoughts), hallucinations, anxiety, blurred consciousness. Serious allergic reactions might occur rarely and you are to contact your doctor in case if they occur. The symptoms of serious allergic reactions are rash, itch, edema, heavy giddiness, breathing problems. Contact your doctor immediately in case if other side effects occur.

Additional information

It is important to wear protective clothes, use repellents and mosquito grids to prevent malaria contamination and spread. 

Periodical eyes examinations and laboratory tests (liver tests) are required to monitor condition changes and side effects revealing. 

Consult specialists to get detailed information.