Lariam

Lariam contains the active ingredient mefloquine, which is a type of medicine called an antimalarial. It is used in both the prevention and treatment of malaria. Malaria is a potentially fatal disease caused by various types of parasites known as Plasmodium. Plasmodium are carried by mosquitoes and injected into the bloodstream during a bite from an infected mosquito. Once inside the blood the parasites travel to the liver, where they multiply. The parasites are then released back into the bloodstream where they invade the red blood cells and multiply again. An actual attack of malaria develops when the red blood cells burst, releasing a mass of parasites into the bloodstream. The attacks do not begin until a sufficient number of blood cells have been infected with parasites. Mefloquine works by attacking the parasites once they have entered the red blood cells. It kills the parasites and prevents them from multiplying further.

Mefloquine is a medication to treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites. This medicine works by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of the human body.

Parasites that cause malaria typically enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia.

Mefloquine is used to treat or prevent malaria.

Mefloquine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Lariam (mefloquine hydrochloride) is an antimalarial agent used to treat or prevent malaria. Lariam is available in generic form. Common side effects of Lariam include:

stomach upset,

stomach pain,

nausea,

vomiting,

loss of appetite,

diarrhea,

fever,

hair loss,

ringing in the ears,

dizziness,

spinning sensation (vertigo),

loss of balance,

drowsiness,

headache,

insomnia,

strange dreams,

cough,

muscle pain,

weakness,

itching, or

lightheadedness.

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Lariam including:

loss of coordination,

numbness and tingling of hands or feet,

vision changes,

unusual tiredness,

persistent nausea or vomiting,

dark urine, or

yellowing skin or eyes.

For treatment of mild to moderate malaria in adults, five tablets (1250 mg) of Lariam are given as a single oral dose. To prevent malaria, prophylaxis should begin 1 week before arrival in an endemic area, and then one 250 mg Lariam tablet once weekly. Pediatric dose is determined by the child's weight. Lariam may interact with blood thinners, ketoconazole, rifabutin, rifampin, tetracycline, or metoclopramide. Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. Lariam should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Our Lariam (mefloquine hydrochloride) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.