GENERIC NAME: MEFLOQUINE - ORAL (MEFF-low-kwin)
BRAND NAME(S): Lariam
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
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 oz. or 240 ml) 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.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Malaria - Get the facts on malaria symptoms, signs, diagnosis, causes (Plasmodium parasite), treatment (medication), history and prevention, and learn the life cycle of the Anopheles mosquito.
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