Lariam (Mefloquine)

Description

Lariam is a medication used for malaria treatment and prevention.

Lariam is supplied in 250 mg tablets for oral administration.

Directions

Lariam should be taken as your doctor has instructed. Contact your doctor or pharmacy about any questions or concerns you have about the medication.

Malaria treatment in adults: Take 5 tablets (1250 mg) by mouth as a single dose. Take with food and at least 8 ounces of water.

Malaria treatment in pediatrics - 20-25 mg per kg of body weight. Split into two doses and take 6-8 hours apart.

Malaria prevention in adults: Take 250 mg by mouth one time a week.

Malaria prevention in pediatrics - 5 mg per kg of body weight one time a week.

• 45 kg or more - 250 mg
• 30-45 kg - ¾ tablet
• 20-30 kg - ½ tablet

Ingredients

Mefloquine hydrochloride is the active ingredient in Lariam. Ammonium-calcium alginate, corn starch, crospovidone, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, poloxamer #331, and talc are the inactive ingredients.

Contraindications

Patients with an allergy to any of Lariam’s ingredients should not take the medication.

Patients with depression, who have had depression, generalized anxiety disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, or other major psychiatric disorders, or have had convulsions should not take Lariam for malaria prevention.

Cautions

• Warnings associated with Lariam include the following:
• An intravenous antimalarial medication should be given to patients with life-threatening, serious, or overwhelming malaria infections caused by P. falciparum. After the intravenous treatment is complete, Lariam can be given to complete the course of therapy.
• Taking Halofantrine with Lariam or within 15 weeks of the last dose of Lariam can cause QTc interval prolongation, an abnormal heart rhythm that can be fatal; therefore, these two medications should not be taken together.
• Taking ketoconazole with Lariam or within 15 weeks of the last dose of Lariam can cause QTc interval prolongation, an abnormal heart rhythm that can be fatal; therefore, these two medications should not be taken together.
• Ketoconazole can increase Lariam levels in the body.
• Psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, paranoia, depression, hallucinations, and psychotic behavior can occur with Lariam use. Patients may continue to experience these symptoms even after stopping Lariam. Suicidal ideation and suicide has been reported; however, there is no confirmed relationship to drug administration. Patients with depression or with a recent history of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, psychosis, or schizophrenia or other major psychiatric disorders should avoid taking Lariam to prevent malaria. Patients who have a history of depression should exercise caution.
• If acute anxiety, depression, restlessness, confusion, or other psychiatric symptoms occur during prevention of malaria with Lariam, the medication should be discontinued. An alternative medication should be initiated.
• Electrocardiographic abnormalities may occur when taking Lariam with quinine or quinidine.
• Convulsions may occur when taking Lariam with quinine or chloroquine.

• Before you begin Lariam for malaria, inform your doctor of:
• All the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications
• Your allergies
• Your current health problems
• Your past medical history
• Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
• Driving and operating machinery should be avoided until you know how you tolerate Lariam.
• Patients with liver problems should use caution when taking Lariam.
• Taking Lariam long term may cause elevated liver function tests and eye problems.
• Patients with heart disease should use Lariam only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Side Effects

The most common Lariam side effect is vomiting. Patients may develop other side effects, so inform your doctor of any bothersome or persistent side effects you experience.

You can buy Lariam right here.

Reference

1. Lariam. Nutley, NJ: Roche Laboratories Inc.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....