Lariam (Mefloquine)

Description

Lariam is a medication that is used to treat and prevent malaria. It kills harmful malaria parasites in the human body. This medication is also known as melfoquine among medical professionals in the industry.

How It works

This medication is an antimalarial agent. Thus, it works by killing the malarial infection in the body. By destroying the infection, it enhances an individual’s immunity and thereby prevents the individual’s condition from deteriorating into a worse state.

Uses

The main use of this medication is to treat individuals with malaria. It can also be helpful to prevent this condition from happening at all. To know the other uses of this medication, contact your healthcare provider.

Dosage

This medication is taken by mouth. This medication must be taken with food. It is best to take it with milk in order to prevent an upset stomach. Never consume this medication with an empty stomach. If you find it difficult to swallow this medication, then crush it and consume it with a glass of water. The dosage will be based on your age, response to the treatment and severity of the condition. The dosage for children is based on weight too.

This medication must only be taken once a week. Do not take it more than necessary since it can result in adverse health effects such as persistent vomiting. Take your dosage on a regular basis and do not miss it under any circumstance. If you accidently miss your dosage, take it as soon as you remember. Never double the dose for a missed one.

Side Effects

The following are some side effects of this medication that you may or may not experience during the treatment period.

 Dizziness
 Drowsiness
 Light-headedness
 Loss of appetite
 Headache
 Muscle aches
 Nausea
 Stomach pain

Although you might not experience all these symptoms, it is best to look out for all of them. If you experience any of the above, make sure to contact your physician immediately.

Precautions

By following the precautionary methods given below, you can reduce the risk of side effects to a great extent.

 Do not use this medication on children who are less than 6 months old

 Do not use this medication on the elderly since they are more sensitive to the side effects

 Take regular lab tests to keep track of your blood cell count and liver condition

 This medication can cause drowsiness and loss of balance. Thus, do not drive or operate machinery

 Do not increase the dosage without informing your physician

 Do not stop taking the medication abruptly

Self-Care

It is important to remember that no medication is 100% effective in treating malaria. Using the medication alone will not help you to cure the condition. You must also use bed nets, mosquito repellents and protective clothing. These precautionary methods will enable you to prevent this illness.

Using this medication while being pregnant can affect the health of the fetus. If you become pregnant during the treatment period, contact your physician immediately. Do not use this medication until you receive medical instructions.