Lariam is a commonly used malaria treatment that can also be used as a remarkably effective preventive measure against this disease. Available in a tablet form, Lariam is taken once per week when used in a preventive maner, with application of the medicine commencing shortly prior to travel and continues until four weeks following return from the high-risk region.

This easy to use pill is an original branded product manufactured and marketed by Hoffman-La Roche pharmaceutical company.

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Malaria: A general overview

Malaria is a thoroughly-researched parasitic infection that is rather common in the tropical areas marked by high temperatures and humidity. What made this condition recognizable throughout the world is the image of a mosquito that is blamed for its transmission. However, while mosquitoes are indeed carriers of malaria, it is the plasmodium parasite that is the main culprit for its onset.

Once introduced into the bloodstream, the parasite will spread and eventually cause the characteristic symptoms. In a majority cases, there will be a significant delay between the infection and the onset of the symptoms. When they do appear, they usually include high fever, headache and flu-like symptoms. But, some aggressive forms of the disease can also cause organ failure and potentially lethal outcome, so precautions against contracting malaria are always highly advisable, especially if you are planning to travel to a high-risk area of the world.

According to relevant authorities, as many as 1500 British travellers contract malaria each year. This condition, known for its resilient nature and ability to resist some available medications and vaccines is very contagious in the areas where it is present. This is why it is crucial to research the possible risks prior to starting your journey and obtain proper preventive treatment if necessary.

How can Lariam prevent malaria?

Lariam is a branded antimalarial medicine manufactured and marketed by Roche pharmaceutical company. It is based on mefloquine hydrochloride as an active ingredient, a pharmaceutical compound that targets the plasmodium parasite and prevents it from reproducting. As such, Lariam is distinct from other more commonly used antimalarial medicines which makes it highly efficient in tackling the parasites in those regions where the disease has already gained a formidable immunity to other medicines, such as chloroquine, for example. But, aside from being used as a preventive treatment, Lariam can also be efficient in treating on-going infections, albeit under strict medical supervision.

How is Lariam used?

When using Lariam, it is advisable to follow the instructions provided by your prescriber and those found in the official patient information leaflet. By doing this, you will be able to minimise the risk of side effects, while also insuring proper and reliable protection against malaria during your journeys.

Without going into too many details, here we will provide you with just the most general guidelines that you should keep in mind:

  • Always take as prescribed
  • For the prevention of malaria, take one tablet per week, on the same day each week
  • Take your first dose 10 days before leaving to target destination
  • Second dose should thus be taken 3 days before departure
  • Continue using the medicine while away and for additional four weeks after return
  • Whole course should last six weeks minimum
  • For treatment of active malaria infection, the details of the treatment will be explained by the doctor
  • Do not exceed the prescribed dose
  • Never take a double dose to make up for the missed one – instead, just take it when you remember and continue the course as usual

What are Lariam side effects?

As is the case with all prescription medicines, Lariam too comes with an array of possible side effects. It is important to get familiar with what could go wrong prior to commencing the treatment, so you can notice any problems early on if they do manifest. With Lariam, this is even more important as there are some side effects that may lead to a complete cessation of the treatment. These include:

  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Self-endangering behaviour
  • Allergic reaction
  • Severe changes in texture and appearance of the skin, mouth and eyes
  • Psychosis
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Panic attacks
  • Fits
  • Pneumonitis
  • Severe liver problems
  • Coordination issues
  • Blood disorders
  • Feelings of mistrust towards others
  • Hallucinations
  • Mood swings
  • Heart issues

Other, less dangerous side effects include:

Frequency of occurrence Side effects
Very common (1 in 10 users or more) Sleeping problems
Common (1 in 10 users or less) Dizziness, sight problems, loss of balance, feeling or being sick, stomach ache, itching

The side effects discussed here do not exhaust all the possibilities. For additional information, please refer to the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of the medicine.

Adverse Lariam interactions

As is often the case with prescription medicines, Lariam has also been shown to adversely interact with certain other medicines you might be taking at the same time. So, it is always important to disclose all the relevant details to your doctor during consultations, as some other treatments might affect your suitability for Lariam treatment and make its use less safe. These include:

  • Halofantrine
  • Quinine
  • Quinidine
  • Choloroquine
  • High blood pressure medicines
  • Antihistamines
  • Ketoconazole
  • Antidepressants
  • Epilepsy drugs
  • Efavirenz
  • Antibiotics
  • Tramadol

Conditions that might make Lariam treatment unsafe

In addition to this, a history or current presence of any of the following conditions will make use of Lariam contraindicated:

  • Depression
  • Other mental illnesses
  • Fits
  • Severe liver problems
  • Blackwater fever
  • Kidney dysfunction
  • Eye problems
  • Abnormal blood test
  • Penumonitis

Additional notes

This medication should not be used by women who are pregnant or are currently breastfeeding. But, traveling to a high-risk area when pregnant is certainly not advisable.

Finally, as dizziness and vertigo are known side effects of this treatment, it is best to avoid driving and operating heavy machinery.