Introduction

Mefloquine, sold under the brand name Lariam among others, is a medication used to prevent or treat malaria. When used for prevention it is typically started before potential exposure and continued for several weeks after potential exposure. It can be used to treat mild or moderate malaria but is not recommended for severe malaria. It is taken by mouth.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Take it with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. Do not take the medication on an empty stomach. Take each dose of this medication with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water. If you have trouble swallowing the medication, the tablet may be crushed and placed in a small amount of water, milk, or other beverage.

It is used for the treatment of mild to moderate acute malaria caused by Mefloquineuine-susceptible strains of Plasmodium falciparum (both chloroquine-susceptible and resistant strains) or by Plasmodium vivax and also for the prophylaxis of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria infections including prophylaxis of chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum.

Side Effects

Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, sleep disorders, and a rash. Serious side effects include potentially long-term mental health problems such as depression, hallucinations, and anxiety and neurological side effects such as poor balance, seizures, and ringing in the ears. It is therefore not recommended in people with a history of mental health problems or epilepsy. It appears to be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Stomach upset/pain, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, headache, muscle pain, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: loss of coordination, numbness/tingling/pain of hands or feet, vision changes, unusual tiredness, persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, fainting, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: artemether-lumefantrine, beta-blockers (such as atenolol, propranolol), chloroquine, halofantrine, ketoconazole, quinidine, quinine, drugs for seizures (such as phenytoin, valproic acid), ziprasidone.

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Regards

Mary Wilson

Editorial office

Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research

E-mail: pharmatoxicol@eclinicalsci.com