What are the long term effects of mefloquine?
The most frequent acute psychiatric problems were anxiety, depression, and psychotic symptoms. Data indicated that subjects experiencing acute mefloquine adverse side effects may develop long-term mental health problems with a decreased sense of global quality of life with lack of energy, nervousness, and depression.
How long can you take Lariam for?
Subsequent doses should be taken once a week (on a fixed day). Treatment should be continued for 4 weeks after leaving a malarious area (minimum treatment period 6 weeks). The maximum recommended duration of administration of Lariam is 12 months.
Is Lariam a hydroxychloroquine?
Medicines approved in the United States for malaria prevention include Lariam (mefloquine) , doxycycline, atovaquone/proguanil, hydroxychloroquine, and chloroquine.
Is Lariam still prescribed?
He is not alone in his views – others who have suffered similar experiences have called for the withdrawal of the drug, as have healthcare professionals concerned over its effects. But the antimalarial is still prescribed by GPs and pharmacists and is, in fact, recommended by Public Health England.
What is Lariam used for?
Mefloquine is a medicine used to treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites. This medicine works by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of the human body. Parasites that cause malaria typically enter the body through the bite of a mosquito.
What are the side effects of Lariam?
Common side effects of Lariam include:
- stomach upset,
- stomach pain,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- loss of appetite,
- diarrhea,
- fever,
- hair loss,
Is Lariam safe?
Though still prescribed in most countries, both for preventing and treating malaria, Lariam is now known to cause neurotoxicity.
When should I take Lariam?
The total dose of Lariam is usually 5 tablets. The dose is 1 tablet of Lariam once weekly, always on the same day. Take the first tablet one week before you arrive in the malarial area. Take 1 tablet each week that you are in a malarial area.
When to start taking Lariam to prevent malaria?
If you are taking this medicine to prevent malaria: Lariam is usually taken once per week to prevent malaria. Start taking the medicine 1 to 3 weeks before entering an area where malaria is common. Continue taking the medicine once weekly during your stay and for at least 4 weeks after you leave the area.
What kind of antimalarial agent is Lariam?
Lariam (mefloquine hydrochloride) is an antimalarial agent used to treat or prevent malaria. Lariam is available in generic form.
Are there any side effects to taking Lariam?
DRUG INTERACTIONS. Concomitant administration of Lariam (mefloquine) and other related compounds (eg, quinine, quinidine and chloroquine) may produce electrocardiographic abnormalities and increase the risk of convulsions (see WARNINGS ). If these drugs are to be used in the initial treatment of severe malaria,…
When to use Lariam instead of mefloquine?
Pediatric Patients. An alternative therapy should be used. Similarly, if previous prophylaxis with mefloquine has failed, Lariam (mefloquine) should not be used for curative treatment. In pediatric patients, the administration of Lariam (mefloquine) for the treatment of malaria has been associated with early vomiting.