What is Lariam?
Lariam is used to treat malaria, a parasitic disease. Lariam interferes with the growth and spread of parasites within the red blood cells of the body.The parasites that cause malaria usually enter the body via the bite of the mosquito. Malaria can be found throughout Africa, South America and Southern Asia.Lariam can also be used to prevent malaria.Lariam can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Lariam
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking Lariam immediately and contact your doctor.
- Dizziness, sudden headache, or ringing in the ears; loss of balance.
- Severe anxiety, depression;
- Hallucinations, paranoia (seeing or listening to things that are not true);
- Unusual behaviour or confusion
- Suicide or self-harm thoughts are common.
Lariam can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Increased blood pressure: severe headache, blurred or double vision, chest pain, and irregular heartbeats
- Liver problems: nausea; itching; tiredness; lack of appetite; dark urine; and clay-coloured stools. Jaundice.
Lariam can cause the following side effects:
- Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea;
- Dizziness;
- Muscle pain;
- Fever; chills
- Mild skin rash.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; otherwise you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report them.
Similar/related drugs
Doxycycline, clindamycin, hydroxychloroquine, Plaquenil, Cleocin, Vibramycin, and Malarone
Warnings
Some Lariam users have experienced sudden and serious nerve or psychiatric problems. These problems lasted for a long time after the Lariam was stopped. These side effects may be permanent.If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking Lariam immediately and contact your doctor. These include anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, or thoughts of suicide or harming yourself.If you are suffering from a mental illness, such as schizophrenia or psychosis, then Lariam is not recommended.
Before you take this drug
People who have taken Lariam may have experienced sudden, serious nerve or psychiatric problems. These side effects could last for many months or even years after the treatment has ended. Speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding this medication.This medication should not be used if you have an allergy to Lariam or other similar medications like quinine and quinidine.
Lariam should also not be used to prevent malaria in those who have had a recent history of:
- Depression;
- An anxiety disorder
- Seizures;
- Mental illness (such as schizophrenia) or psychosis
Your doctor may still prescribe Lariam for malaria treatment even if you have one of the above conditions.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Lariam will be safe for you:
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes;
- Bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
- A history of mental illness;
- Are You on Warfarin Coumadin Jantoven for Blood Thinner Treatments? If yes, these blood thinner medications could be right for you
FDA pregnancy category B: Lariam may harm an unborn child. You should tell your doctor if this medication causes you to become pregnant. Use birth control for 3 months following your treatment and while taking this medication.Mefloquine may pass into breastmilk and harm a nursing infant. You should tell your doctor if your baby is breastfed.Lariam is not to be used without the advice of a doctor in order to treat malaria in children younger than six months. This medicine shouldn't be used to treat malaria in children who weigh less than 44 lbs.
How to take Lariam?
Do not take more or less Lariam than indicated or for longer than advised. Take Lariam only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration.If you stop taking the medication early for any reason, talk to your doctor about other ways to prevent malaria. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop taking the medication for any reason.Take Lariam after your main meal.This medicine should be taken with 8 ounces of water.You can crush the Lariam tablets and mix them into a glass of water, milk, or any other drink to make it easier to swallow.If you vomit for 30 minutes or less after taking Lariam, then take another full dosage. If you vomit between 30 and 60 minutes after taking Lariam, take another half-dose. If your vomiting persists, see your physician immediately.
You should not take this medication if you have malaria.
- Take Lariam once a week to prevent malaria.
- Take the medication 1 to 3 weeks prior to entering an area with malaria. Continue to take the medication once a week throughout your stay in the area and for at least four weeks after leaving.
- Every week, take your dose on the same date.
- Contact a healthcare professional if you decide to stop taking the medication early.
Take Lariam only if you have malaria.
- Follow the instructions of your doctor.
Use mosquito nets around your bed, protective clothing, and insect repellents in addition to Lariam to prevent mosquito bites, which could lead to malaria.You may require frequent blood tests if you are taking this medication for a long time to monitor your liver function. You may also be asked to have your vision checked.If you are experiencing fever or any other symptoms after or during a trip to an area where malaria occurs, you should contact your doctor immediately.Malaria is not 100% preventable or treatable by medication. To get the best results, use the medication according to the instructions. Speak to your doctor if your symptoms include fever, nausea, or diarrhoea.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a schedule for Lariam, as it is commonly used in a single dosage. If you have a weekly schedule, you should use the missed dose immediately. Next, take your usual dose the next day. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.If you have forgotten to take your medicine in the week prior to your trip, call your doctor.
What happens if you overdose?
Contact 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning and seek immediate medical care.
What should be avoided?
You should not take halofantrine or ketoconazole during your Lariam treatment or for 15 weeks following the end of Lariam treatment. If you use halofantrine, your heart may suffer serious and life-threatening effects.Take Lariam only if you have not taken chloroquine or quinine.Lariam may cause side effects that can impair your ability to think or react. You should be careful when driving, operating machinery, flying an aeroplane, diving, or doing anything else that requires you to be awake and alert.
Interaction with other drug
Lariam can interact with many drugs. This list does not include all possible interactions. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications or if you will stop using them during the treatment of this medication.
- Heart or blood pressure medications;
- Medicine to treat mental illness or depression
- Seizure medication;
- Tuberculosis medication;
- "Live" vaccinations such as rubella, measles, and mumps
The list of drugs that interact with Lariam is not exhaustive. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. List all of your medications with any healthcare professional who treats you.
