General Information on Lariam
Mefloquine Hydrochloride is the generic name for Lariam and it is orally administered for treatment of Malaria. It acts as a blood schizonticide and although its mechanism of action is unknown; it is used for treatment as well as prevention of Malaria. Mefloquine attacks malarial parasites once they are in the red blood cells. The inactive ingredients in Lariam include microcrystalline cellulose, ammonium-calcium alginate, Lactose, corn starch, crospovidone, tacl, poloxamer #331, and magnesium stearate. You can buy Lariam only if you have been diagnosed with Malaria or if it has been prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects of Lariam
The administration of Lariam can have mild to severe side effects on adults of all ages. Clinical trials have proven that administration of Lariam can cause different types of psychiatric side effects. Some of these side effects include sudden mood changes, depression, anxiety; sudden behavior changes, elevated emotion followed by crying, feelings of persecution, forgetfulness, confusion, aggression, hallucination, and constantly agitated state of mind. If you see any of these side effects or the symptoms, you should stop your medication and consult a doctor. These side effects of their symptoms have been noticed only after the third dose.
Some of the most common side effects of Lariam medication include nausea followed by vomiting, stomach pain followed by diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, chills and fever, tinnitus, Myalgia, and swelling of lips and face.
Precautions
There are certain precautions that you need to take before you start Lariam medication. Lariam can induce severe epileptic seizures, so you must consult your doctor if you have epilepsy. Since it impairs physical and mental ability, you are advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery during the period of Lariam treatment. Overdose and under dose can both be harmful and it is not recommended for children under 3 months or those who weigh less than 5kg. The safety of Lariam medication during pregnancy has not been established and hence most doctors recommend using effective contraception’s to prevent pregnancy during the period of medication. It is also not recommended for those who are suffering from kidney function failure, heart conduction defects, women who are breastfeeding, people who have history of convulsions, those with history of psychiatric illness including depression, and those suffering from decreased liver function.
LariamDosage
The standard dosage is Lariam 250mg tablet once a week for patients weighing over 45kg. The administration of the medication normally starts 1 week prior to the arrival of the patient in an endemic area. The starting dose has to be followed up with weekly doses after the main meal and preferably at the same time of the day each week. Doctors advise that this tablet should not be taken on empty stomach and should be administered with at least 240 ml or 8 oz of water. The Lariam dosage for pediatric patients or those suffering from mild to moderate malaria is 2 doses of Lariam 250mg tablet taken after every 6-8 hours. Patients weighing between 30kg and 45kg should be administered with 3/4 tablet and those weighing between 20kg and 30kg should be administered 1/2 tablet. You can buy Lariam 250mg tablets from any reputable pharmacy.
Interactions
Although drug-drug interactions of Lariam has not been noticed; doctors advise it should not be taken with beta blockers or with other malarial medication like quinidine, quinine, and chloroquine.
