MEFLOQUINE - ORAL (Lariam) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

mefloquine - oral, Lariam

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GENERIC NAME: MEFLOQUINE - ORAL (MEFF-low-kwin)

BRAND NAME(S): Lariam

USES: This medication is used to treat and prevent malaria.

HOW TO USE: Obtain a Medication Guide that must be provided by your pharmacist. Read the Medication Guide before you first start taking mefloquine and each time you obtain a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Carry the information wallet card with you at all times.Take by mouth, usually once a week, with food or milk to prevent stomach upset; or as directed by your doctor. Also take with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water. Do not take this on an empty stomach.For children who cannot swallow the tablets whole, mefloquine may be crushed and placed in a small amount of water, milk or sugar water. It should be given with food and should not be taken on an empty stomach. The doctor will tell you the correct dose to use for your child. The dose is based on your child's weight.For children, early vomiting may occur after taking mefloquine. If vomiting occurs in your child within 30 minutes of taking the drug, give another full dose. If vomiting occurs 30 minutes to 1 hour after a dose, give a half-dose. If vomiting continues, check with your doctor for a different medication to use in place of mefloquine.When using to prevent malaria, the first dose of this medication should be taken one week before travel, or as directed by your doctor.Take this medication as prescribed for full course of treatment. It is important you not miss any doses and that you take the drug on a regularly scheduled basis. Remember to take it on the same day each week.Upon returning from the malaria area, you should keep taking this medication for 4 more weeks. If you are unable to finish this course of mefloquine, contact your doctor.If this medication is being used for prevention of malaria, it is important to understand that it is still possible to contract the disease. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a fever. Malaria is best treated if therapy is started early.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, hair loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness, "feeling of spinning", loss of balance, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, strange dreams, or lightheadedness. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Dizziness and loss of balance may rarely occur after stopping mefloquine. Tell your doctor if these side effects persist.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, seizures, muscle pain, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling of hands or feet, vision changes.If any of the following highly unlikely, but serious side effects occur; call your doctor immediately; you may need to stop using mefloquine and start another medication for malaria prevention: unexplained anxiety, mood changes, depression (sometimes severe, including rare thoughts of suicide), hallucinations, restlessness, confusion.A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.