Product Details: Lariam (Mefloquine)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Hoffmann-La Roche

Description

This medicine is an antimalarial agent used to treat or prevent malaria.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about this information. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH FOOD. DRINK AT LEAST 8 OUNCES of water with this medicine. If the tablets cannot be swallowed whole, they may be crushed and placed in a small amount of water or sugar water. Be sure to drink all of the liquid so that you receive the entire dose. When used to prevent malaria, the first dose of this medicine should be taken at least one week before travel, or as directed by your doctor. Upon returning from travel, you should continue this medicine for 4 more weeks. If you are unable to complete the course of treatment, contact your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment. Do not skip any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking it to prevent infection, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine. This medicine helps to prevent malaria; however, it is still possible to contract the disease. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop flu-like symptoms including chills, fever, muscle aches, or headache. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY appointments, while taking this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as liver function tests or eye exams may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects if you are taking this medicine for a long period of time. Contact your doctor for more information. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dizziness or a loss of balance. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, fever, hair loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, headache, insomnia, strange dreams, or lightheadedness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; seizures; muscle pain; loss of coordination; numbness and tingling of hands or feet; or vision changes. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience unexplained anxiety, mood changes, depression that may include thoughts of hurting yourself, hallucinations, restlessness, or confusion. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE IS UNLIKELY, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Mefloquine