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Lariam (Mefloquine) 250mg Tablets

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250mg Oral tablet

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If you’re travelling to one of the countries affected by the disease you should consider Malaria prevention. Lariam (Mefloquine) anti-malaria tablets only need to be taken once weekly at least one week before your trip to prevent contraction. However due to the side effects of this medication, the first dose should be taken 10 days before travel to ensure it is well tolerated. If you have never taken mefloquine before, it may be recommended to start the course two to three weeks before departure to detect in advance if you are likely to develop side effects to the drug. This will allow time for an alternative drug to be prescribed if necessary.

Lariam, an effective anti-malarial tablet, contains the active ingredient mefloquine. These tablets are both preventative and therapeutic, offering protection from malaria - a life-threatening disease prevalent in tropical regions. Travellers to these areas can significantly benefit from the protection Lariam provides.

Malaria transmission occurs through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Some geographical locations are home to specific malaria strains that are challenging to treat. This reality highlights the value of preventive measures like Lariam.

When choosing an anti-malarial medicine, the nature of the malaria parasite in the destination region guides the decision. A consultation with a healthcare professional can provide insight into whether Lariam is suitable for your travel destination. Find comprehensive information about Lariam usage in the Lariam Patient Information Leaflet.

The term "pill" is widely used to describe various forms of solid medication, including Lariam malaria tablets. Historically, pills were small, round, medicinal masses intended for oral consumption. Today, tablets, capsules, caplets, and any other solid form of medication fall into the pill category.

Lariam malaria tablets typically take between twenty to thirty minutes to be absorbed into the bloodstream. In contrast, capsules can be absorbed in a few minutes. Discover more about the differences between Lariam malaria tablets and capsules here.

Each Lariam 250mg tablet carries 250mg of the active ingredient, mefloquine. Other components include poloxamer, microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, maize starch, crospovidone, ammonium calcium alginate, talc, and magnesium stearate. These tablets, supplied in packs of 8, represent the highest strength available.

Youtube Video: When To Take Anti-Malaria Medication

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5dwEZaHrXg

Proper usage of Lariam is crucial for effective malaria prevention. Follow this guide for the correct Lariam dosing:

Start by taking one tablet weekly, at least 7 days before your travel. However due to the side effects of this medication, the first dose is recommended be taken 10 days before travel to ensure it is well tolerated. If you have never taken mefloquine before, it is advisable to start the course two to three weeks before departure to detect in advance if you are likely to develop side effects to the drug. This will allow time for an alternative drug to be prescribed if necessary.
Continue with one tablet per week during your stay and for four weeks upon your return.
Ensure you maintain the same day of the week for each dose.
The total course duration depends on your stay length but should last at least six weeks.
For effective prevention, complete the entire course.

No anti-malarial medication is entirely foolproof. Therefore, consult a doctor immediately if you develop fever or flu-like symptoms during your trip or within two to three months of leaving the malarial region.

Mefloquine, the active ingredient in Lariam, is widely used for malaria prevention and treatment. Developed by the United States Army in the 1970s, it has been in widespread use since the mid-1980s. The World Health Organization recognizes it as an essential medicine for any healthcare system. Mefloquine is orally administered and is suitable for treating mild to moderate malaria cases but is not recommended for severe malaria. Learn more about mefloquine in this research article.

The choice between Lariam and Malarone, another effective anti-malarial medication, can depend on various factors. Malarone is reported to be 98% effective in preventing malaria, and 1% of users stop taking Malarone due to side effects, compared to 4% for Lariam. Despite this, the Centre for Disease Control does not recommend one over the other, and the effectiveness of Lariam is well-established. If you have queries about Lariam or Malarone, don't hesitate to contact us, or speak to a healthcare professional.

While Lariam is a highly effective anti-malarial tablet, some travellers may require or prefer an alternative due to medical history, potential side effects, or individual body response. There are several alternatives to Lariam available for malaria prevention. Here are some of the key options:

Malarone: Malarone is a popular alternative to Lariam, containing the active ingredients atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride. It is typically associated with fewer side effects and is taken daily, starting 1-2 days before travel, during the trip, and for seven days after leaving the malaria risk area.
Doxycycline: Doxycycline is an antibiotic that also works well as a preventative measure against malaria. It should be started two days before travel, continued throughout the trip, and then taken for four weeks after leaving the malarial region. Some people may experience side effects such as skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Chloroquine and Proguanil: These are two older medications used for malaria prevention. Unfortunately, many types of malaria have developed resistance to these drugs, limiting their effectiveness in many parts of the world.

Each of these alternatives to Lariam has its strengths and weaknesses. The best choice depends on the specific strain of malaria common in your destination, your personal medical history, and how well you tolerate the medication. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to make an informed decision.

Remember that no anti-malarial medication is 100% effective. Even when taking these medications, it's important to use additional preventative measures such as insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing, and bed nets in malaria-endemic regions.

Malaria is a serious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes. If it isn't diagnosed and treated promptly, it can be fatal. A single mosquito bite is all it takes for someone to become infected. Symptoms of malaria It's important to be aware of the symptoms of malaria if you're travelling to areas where there's a high risk of the disease. Symptoms include: a high temperature (fever) sweats and chills headaches vomiting muscle pains diarrhoea Symptoms usually appear between 7 and 18 days after becoming infected, but in some cases the symptoms may not appear for up to a year, or occasionally even longer. When to seek medical attention Seek medical help immediately if you develop symptoms of malaria during or after a visit to an area where the disease is found. Malaria risk areas Malaria is found in more than 100 countries, mainly in tropical regions of the world, including: large areas of Africa and Asia Central and South America Haiti and the Dominican Republic parts of the Middle East some Pacific islands The Fit for Travel website has more information about the risk of malaria in specific countries. Preventing malaria Many cases of malaria can be avoided. An easy way to remember is the ABCD approach to prevention: awareness of risk – find out whether you're at risk of getting malaria before travelling bite prevention – avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, covering your arms and legs, and using an insecticide-treated mosquito net check whether you need to take malaria prevention tablets – if you do, make sure you take the right antimalarial tablets at the right dose, and finish the course diagnosis – seek immediate medical advice if you develop malaria symptoms, as long as up to a year after you return from travelling

Side Effects

Side effects may include: nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, abdominal pain, rashes, pruritis, headache, dizziness, convulsions, sleep disturbances (insomnia, vivid dreams) and psychotic reactions such as depression.