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Lariam ( ME-floe-kwin) belongs to a group of medicines called antimalarials. It is used to prevent or treat malaria, a red blood cell infection transmitted by the bite of a mosquito. Malaria transmission occurs in large areas of Central and South America, Hispaniola, sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. Country-specific information on malaria can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or from the CDC's web site at http://www. cdc. gov/travel. Lariam may cause some serious side effects. Therefore, it is usually used only to prevent the symptoms of malaria or to treat serious malaria infections in areas where it is known that other medicines may not work. Lariam is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Oral Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Lariam is used to treat malaria (a serious infection that is spread by mosquitoes in certain parts of the world and can cause death) and to prevent malaria in travelers who visit areas where malaria is common. Lariam is in a class of medications called antimalarials. It works by killing the organisms that cause malaria. Lariam comes as a tablet to take by mouth. If you are taking Lariam to prevent malaria, you will probably take it once a week (on the same day each week). You will begin treatment 1-3 weeks before you travel to an area where malaria is common and should continue treatment for 4 weeks after you return from the area. If you are taking Lariam to treat malaria, your doctor will tell you exactly how often you should take it. Always take Lariam with food (preferably your main meal) and at least 8 ounces of water. Children may take smaller but more frequent doses of Lariam. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Lariam exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. The tablets may be swallowed whole or crushed and mixed with a liquid such as water, milk, or sugar water. If you are taking Lariam to treat malaria, you may vomit soon after you take the medication. If you vomit less than 30 minutes after you take Lariam, you should take another full dose of Lariam. If you vomit 30-60 minutes after you take Lariam, you should take another half dose of Lariam. If you vomit again after taking the extra dose, call your doctor. Brand names: - Lariam - Mefloquine |