Do you need protection against Malaria?

Malarial infection can be life-threatening so if you are entering a malaria prevalent region, it is a good idea to take precautions with anti-malarial tablets.

Each anti-malaria treatment is different. It is best to consult with your GP if you are unsure which treatment is suitable for you.

What is Lariam and what is it used for?

Lariam is an antimalarial medicine used to treat and prevent the development of the malarial parasite P. falciparum in areas with antimalarial drug resistance.

Lariam contains the active substance Mefloquine hydrochloride at a dose of 250mg.

How does it work?

When an infected mosquito bites a person, it passes the parasite to its human target.

The choice of antimalarial drug depends on the sensitivity of the malaria parasite in your destination area. Lariam targets the malarial parasite and destroys it.

How do I take Lariam?

• If your body weight is more than 45kg, you should take one 250mg tablet once a week on the same day.
• You should start the medication 2-3 weeks before entering the high risk malaria-affected area to make sure your body can take the medication well.
• Continue the treatment through your stay and 4 weeks after returning.
• It is recommended that you take the tablets with plenty of water, best after a meal.

How is Lariam different from Malarone?

Choosing an antimalarial treatment depends on your preferences and the antimalarial drug resistance present at your destination.

Lariam

• An antimalarial medicine used to treat and prevent the development of the malarial parasite P. falciparum in areas with antimalarial drug resistance.
• It contains the active substance Mefloquine hydrochloride at a dose of 250mg.

Malarone

• Only needs to be taken for one week after leaving the affected area.
• Has less side effects.

It is best to consult with your GP to see which medication works best for you.

Contact your doctor if:

• You get any side effects at any time during your treatment, stop taking the treatment immediately and contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Contact your doctor if you experience changes in mood and behavior, mental problems, or fits.
• Other signs that you should cease taking Lariam include: suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, feeling restless, depression, confusion, unusual behaviour, mistrusting others, self-endangering behaviour, and hallucinations.

If you are unsure of treatment with Lariam, you feel that the cautions on the medication apply to you, or if you have had any mental side effects from the medication listed on the patient information leaflet, consult your GP for advice.

What are the side effects of Lariam?

It’s common to experience some side effects with antimalarial medication.

Side effects of Lariam may include:

• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Severe anxiety
• Depression
• Sleeping problems
• Dizziness

Other side effects can include:

• Fits including seizures or convulsions
• Liver problems
• Heart problems
• Diarrhoea
• Vertigo
• Suicidal thoughts
• Confusion
• Unusual behaviour
• Restlessness
• Hallucinations
• Mistrust towards others
• Self-endangering behaviour
• Changes in mood or behaviour

If you experience any of these side-effects while on treatment, stop taking Lariam immediately and contact your doctor.

Can I take Lariam if I am pregnant?

You should NOT take Lariam if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are considering becoming pregnant you should wait at least 3 months after the last dose.

Information Leaflet

Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.

• View the patient information leaflet for Lariam 250 mg.