Mefloquine (Lariam) Side Effects, Indications, Interactions, Dose Prescribing Information

What is Mefloquine (Lariam)?

Mefloquine is a type of antiparasitic agents. Mefloquine belongs to category of quinidine and quinine, chloroquine, half antrine, beta blockers, typhoid vaccine and sodium valproate drugs.

It is an antimicrobial agent which acts as a blood schizonticide. It is a 4 quinoline methanol hydrochloride. It is a potent and relatively fastacting antimalarial agent. It is selectively active against the intraerythrocytic stages of the parasite life cycle, and has no activity against mature gametocytes or against intrahepatic stages. Mefloquine is an orally administered antimalarial drug used prophylactically against and as a treatment for malaria. It also goes by the trade name Lariam or Mefaquin and by the chemical name mefloquine hydrochloride (formulated with HCl). This drug is commonly sold as Brand Name Lariam.

Indication/Contraindication for use of Mefloquine (Lariam)

• Hypersensitivity to mefloquine or related compounds falciparum and P.
• Used as a second line treatment in chloroquine resistant malaria, severe malaria due to P  vivax including cerebral malaria.
• A history of psychiatry illness seizure.

Side Effects of Mefloquine (Lariam)

• Psychological changes e depressive mood, confusion, anxiety, hallucination, paranoid reactions, dizziness or disturbed sense of balance, nausea, vomiting loose stools or diarrhea.
• G

Dosage and Prescribing Information for Mefloquine (Lariam)

Adults: 15-25 mg per kg body weight. Upto 60 kg: Non immune patients: Loading dose 3 tablets, after 6-8 hours2 Tab. Semi immune patients: Loading dose3 tab. Over 60 kg: Non immune patients  Loading dose 3 tablets, after 6-8 hours2 tab, after a further 6-8 hours 1 tablet. Semiimmune patients: Loading dose 3 tab after 6-8 hours 1 tab. Children: Under 45 kg. Single dose 25 mg per kg body weight 1 tablet per 10 kg = 1/4 tab per 2.5 kg.

Drug Interactions of Mefloquine (Lariam)

Quinidine and quinine, chloro quine, half antrine, beta blockers, typhoid vaccine and sodium valproate.

Precautions while prescribing Mefloquine (Lariam)

• Not recommended for use in patients with severe impaired hepatic and renal function, and patients suffering from epilepsy.
• Elderly: No special problem.
• Should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
• Paediatrics: Reduced dose necessary.
• Pregnancy: To be used, if clearly indicated.
• Lactation: Contraindicated; avoid breast feeding while on treatment.
• Safety in age below 15 years not established.