What is Lariam, and what does it do?
Lariam, also known as Mefloquine is an anti-malaria tablet that can be taken to prevent malaria infections when visiting high-risk countries. Malaria is caused by several parasites of the Plasmodium family, and mefloquine can be used to prevent an infection from one or more of these parasites.
Lariam is a popular anti-malarial for travellers going to malaria regions for extended periods. Its popularity can be attributed to the dose, just once a week, and the excellent value for money it provides.
How many should I order for my trip?
Try out our NEW Lariam tablet calculator. In as little as 3-4 clicks, you can see how many tablets you will need for your trip! Easy!
Once you know how many you need head back to this page, adjust the quantity and start the "Online Consultation" to order your Lariam tablets.
How do I take Lariam tablets?
Lariam malaria tablets should be taken weekly as follows:
For Adults over 45kg: A single Lariam tablet is taken weekly. You start the treatment 10 days before arriving in the risk area, and then you continue whilst there and for FOUR weeks on leaving.
A typical 2 week (14 day holiday) for an adult/child over 45kg would therefore require 8 tablets. This breaks down to TWO tablets before, TWO whilst there and FOUR on return.
For Children:The amount taken WEEKLY depends on the weight of the child:
- 5-19.9kg (3mth-5yrs): Quarter tablet
- 20-30.9kg (6-8 yrs): Half tablet
- 31-45kg (9-14yrs): Three quarter tablet
The frequency of dosing is the same as the adult. Start 10 days before arrival and then continue weekly, whilst there and then for four weeks on return.
Who can't take Lariam tablets?
This particular anti-malarial should probably not be used by patients who have not tried it previous, or at least not without speaking to one of our malaria prevention experts. This is because Lariam can cause side effects which patients may find unpleasant. Don't let this put you off though, as it can be a useful anti-malarial tablet for certain groups of patients.
Lariam should not be taken by patients with the following conditions:
- Known allergy to Lariam or the active ingredient Mefloquine
- Current or historic psychiatric disorders, including but not limited to generalised anxiety disorder, depression, epilepsy, suicide attempts and schizophrenia
- History of blackwater fever
- Severe liver failure
- Ongoing use or use of Halofantrine in the last 15 weeks
Due to some of the side effects this medicine may cause Lariam is also not recommended for:
- Pilots
- Patients driving vehicles or heavy machinery
- Scuba Divers
- or anyone who will be undertaing a skilled task
Are there any side effects?
Patients who use Lariam may experience the following common or very common side effcets:
- Abnormal Dreams
- Insomnia
- Depression/Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Visual Impairment
- Vertigo
- Nausea and Vomitting
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhoea
- Itchy Skin
These adverse events may occur in around in more than 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 patients. For an extensive list of more unusual side effects please read the patient information leaflet.
Each Lariam tablet contains the following active ingredients:
Mefloquine Hydrochloride 250mg
This tablet contains Lactose
Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
Reviews
At Peak Pharmacy Online we offer FREE delivery on most orders over £35, we aim to provide the best price and service at all times. With genuine products dispensed from our UK pharmacy, we aim to offer a website and service that strives to help you choose the most efficient, suitable medicines for you and your family.
