Lariam

Drug Name

Lariam (Mefloquine)

Drug Uses

Lariam is an antimalarial agent that is used for the treatment and prevention of Malaria.

How it is taken

Lariam is to be taken by mouth, usually once a week, with food or milk to prevent an upset stomach. You may also use it as directed by your doctor.

Take it with a full glass of water. For children who cannot swallow the tablets whole, lariam may be crushed and mixedwith a small amount of water, milk or sugar water.

For children, early vomiting may occur after taking lariam. If vomiting occurs in your child within 30 minutes of taking the drug, give another full dose. If vomiting occurs 30 minutes to 1 hour after a dose, give a half-dose. If vomiting continues, check with your doctor for a different medication to use in place of lariam.

If you are using this to prevent malaria then your first dose must be at least one week before travel.

Take this for the entire duration of treatment on the same day each week.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Lariam(Mefloquine) is an antimalarial agent used as a prophylaxis against and treatment for malaria.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Lariam, then you may take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, allergic to quinine or quinidine, heart problems, liver problems.

Lariam may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or have active or recent depression, anxiety disorder, psychiatric disorders, seizure disorders.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using and contact your doctor immediately.

Lariam is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Lariam should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are stomach upset, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, hair loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, strange dreams, or lightheadedness. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, seizures, muscle pain, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling of hands or feet, vision changes, unexplained anxiety, mood changes, depression (sometimes severe, including rare thoughts of suicide), hallucinations, restlessness, confusion, rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.