Lariam (Mefloquine)

This medication is used to treat and prevent malaria.

Mefloquine is an orally administered antimalarial drug, used as a prophylaxis against and treatment for malaria. It also goes by the trade name Lariam (manufactured by Roche Pharmaceuticals) and chemical name mefloquine hydrochloride (formulated with HCl).

Before taking lariam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to quinine or quinidine; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have the following medical conditions: active or recent depression, anxiety disorder, psychiatric disorders, seizure disorders. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems, liver problems. This medication may cause dizziness or loss of balance. Use caution when driving or engaging in activities, requiring alertness. Use with caution in children. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.

This medication may cause stomach upset, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, hair loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, strange dreams, or lightheadedness. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, seizures, muscle pain, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling of hands or feet, vision changes. If any of the following highly unlikely, but serious side effects occur; call your doctor immediately; you may need to stop using mefloquine and start another medication for malaria prevention: unexplained anxiety, mood changes, depression (sometimes severe, including rare thoughts of suicide), hallucinations, restlessness, confusion. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Important to wear protective clothing, insect repellent, and use bednets when trying to prevent malaria. Periodic eye examinations and laboratory tests (e.g., liver function tests) should be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.