Lariam

What is it?

An antimalarial preparation and 4-aminoquinolone, available as quarter scored, white tablets containing 250mg of mefloquine hydrochloride.

Medical Uses

Treatment and prevention of malaria.

Dosage

Adults and children weighing more than 45kg, prevention: 1 tablet once each week; children, prevention, weighing 15 to 19kg, quarter tablet; weighing 20 to 30kg, half tablet; weighing 31 to 45kg, three-quarters tablet; all once each week. All doses should be taken with a meal on the same day each week, starting 3 to 1 weeks before travelling to malaria zone and continuing for 4 weeks after return. Minimum treatment period for prevention is 6 weeks and the maximum is 1 year. For malaria treatment, consult manufacturer's instructions.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, women must use reliable contraception during and for 3 months after the stay in malaria zone, heart conduction disorders, kidney disorders, epilepsy.

Avoid Use

When being used for prevention, severe liver disorders, previous psychiatric disorders, depression, convulsions, quinine sensitivity.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Live typhoid vaccination taken by mouth, quinine and related drugs, halofantrine, anticonvulsants, drugs affecting heart conduction.

Known Side Effects

Dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, sleep disruption, sleepiness, loss of balance, appetite loss, gastrointestinal upset. Ability to perform certain tasks eg driving/operating machinery may be affected for up to 3 weeks. In rare cases, convulsions, ringing in ears, neuropsychiatric disturbances, mood changes, skin effects, damage to sensory and motor nerves, pain in muscles, weakness, effects on heart and circulation. If being used for prevention, re-evaluate use if neuropsychiatric disturbances or other severe adverse side effects occur.