Lariam – A Treatment and Preventive Drug for Malaria

Lariam or generic Mefloquine is an anti-malarial drug prescribed to treat and prevent malaria infections contracted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. There are over 100 species of plasmodia and four of these can cause malaria. Lariam is usually recommended for treating and preventing malaria from the P. falciparum parasites that are mostly found in poor tropical and sub-tropical areas around the world. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Your dosage of Lariam will vary depending on whether you are prescribed it as preventative measure or for treatment. You can also decrease your risk of mosquito bites by wearing loose fitted long-sleeved clothing, long pants with socks, avoid perfume, hair products, lotions, and soaps, try to stay indoors from dusk until dawn during peak feeding time for mosquitoes, and use netting at night over your sleeping area.

How Lariam Works in Your Body

The active ingredient of Lariam is Mefloquine. When taken as directed, Lariam is thought to work by interfering with the parasite’s process of digesting blood which causes a toxic waste that they usually get rid of through biocrystallization to form hemozoin. If the parasites are unable to detoxify the hematin inside their digestive system, they die. The damaged parasites in the circulating red blood cells are then removed from circulation mostly by your spleen.

More About How You Become Infected with Malaria

If you receive a bite from an infected female Anopheles mosquito, the parasites travel to your liver where they multiply and are released back into your bloodstream. Here, the plasmodia invade your red blood cells and multiply again. When these blood cells burst, a mass of parasites are sent into your bloodstream and you may begin to feel symptoms of malaria; usually these are flu-like with headache, chills, and sweating. Of the four malaria parasites, the P. falciparum cause the most serious illness. Ask your doctor about Lariam before you travel to areas that are known for malaria so you are well prepared.

Before You Take Lariam

If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding your infant, talk to your doctor before travelling to areas that have malaria as it may not be recommended to take Lariam or other anti-malarial medications. Discuss any mental or physical conditions you may have and list other Rx drugs or OTC meds you are taking, including dietary and vitamin supplements or herbal remedies. Mixing medications can change how they work in your body, produce unintended side effects, or alters the efficacy of Lariam.

Precautions and Recommendations for Taking Lariam

Lariam may cause serious side effects that include nervous system changes. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures. Until you know how Lariam will affect you, avoid operating a vehicle, machinery, or performing any task that requires you to be alert. Keep all medications out of children’s reach.

Possible Side Effects of Lariam

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Emotional changes or problems
• Strange dreams
• Loss of appetite

Drugs Similar to Lariam

• Aralen
• Plaquenil
• Malarone