Lariam

Generic name: Mefloquine hydrochloride

What is Lariam?

Lariam is used to prevent malaria in travelers as well as to treat an active infection.

What is the most important information I should know about Lariam?

In case of life-threatening, serious, or overwhelming malaria infections, you should be treated with an intravenous antimalarial drug. Lariam has been reported to cause serious mental problems in some people, including anxiety, paranoia, depression, hallucinations, and psychotic behavior.

Who should not take Lariam?

Do not take Lariam to prevent malaria if you have depression or had depression recently; have had a recent mental illness such as anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis; have a history of seizures; or if you are allergic to quinine or quinidine.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Lariam?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Lariam. Also talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart disease or liver problems, or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

If a full course with Lariam does not lead to improvement within 48-72 hours, Lariam should not be used for re-treatment. An alternative therapy should be used.

Prevention of Malaria (Prophylactic Treatment)

Adults: The usual dosage is 1 tablet containing 250 milligrams (mg) taken once a week on the same day. Prophylactic (preventative) drug treatment should begin 1 week before arrival in an endemic area. Subsequent weekly doses should be taken regularly, always on the same day of each week, preferably after the main meal. To reduce the risk of malaria after leaving an endemic area, treatment must be continued for an additional 4 weeks.

Children 3 months and older: The recommended prophylactic dose is approximately 5 mg per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight once weekly. One 250-mg tablet should be taken once weekly in children weighing over 99 pounds. For children weighing less than 99 pounds, the doctor will adjust the dosage based on the child's weight.

Treatment of Malaria

Adults: The usual dosage is 5 tablets (1,250 mg total) taken as a single dose.

Children 6 months and older: The usual dosage is 20-25 mg per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight. The total dose is usually split into 2 doses taken 6-8 hours apart to reduce the occurrence or severity of side effects. Experience with Lariam in infants less than 3 months old or weighing less than 5 kg (11 pounds) is limited.

How should I take Lariam?

Take Lariam exactly as directed by your doctor. The tablets should be taken with at least 1 cup (8 ounces) of water and also with food. Do not take Lariam on an empty stomach. The tablets may be crushed and put in a small amount of water, milk, or other beverage for administration to small children and other persons unable to swallow the tablets whole.

The tablets may be crushed and suspended in a small amount of water, milk or other beverage for administration to small children and other persons unable to swallow them whole.

What should I avoid while taking Lariam?

Avoid taking Lariam on an empty stomach. Also avoid missing any doses. If you cannot continue to take Lariam for 4 weeks after returning home from an area where malaria is endemic, contact your doctor right away.

Because Lariam can cause dizziness or loss of balance, be careful when driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you know how this drug affects you.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Lariam?

If Lariam is taken with certain drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lariam with the following: halofantrine, quinine, quinidine, chloroquine, and certain vaccines.

What are the possible side effects of Lariam?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of balance, difficulty sleeping, nightmares (these are usually mild and do not cause people to stop taking the medicine)

Lariam may affect your liver and your eyes if you take it for a long time.

Can I receive Lariam if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of taking Lariam during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Lariam should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Lariam is excreted in breast milk in small amounts, although the consequences of this are unknown. To prevent serious reactions in nursing infants, you should discuss with your doctor about whether to discontinue the drug.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lariam?

Ask your doctor for advice.

How should I store Lariam?

Store at room temperature.