Mefloquine (By Mouth)

Mefloquine (ME-floe-kwin)

Prevents and treats malaria.

Brand Name(s):

Lariam
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to mefloquine or similar medicines (such as quinine or quinidine) or if you have a history of seizures. Do not use this medicine if you have emotional or mental problems, such as anxiety, psychosis, schizophrenia, or depression.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk. Drink at least 8 ounces (1 cup) of water with each dose of medicine. You may crush the medicine and mix it with water or sugar water to give the medicine to a young child.
• If you are using this medicine to prevent malaria, you may need to start using it at least 1 week before you travel outside the U.S. You may also need to keep using this medicine for 4 weeks after you get home. Ask your doctor about your schedule. It is best to always use your medicine on the same day of the week.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using halofantrine (Halfan®), chloroquine (Aralen®), medicine for seizures (such as Depakote®, Dilantin®, Keppra™, Luminal®, Tegretol®), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or diabetes medicine (such as glyburide, Actos™, Avandia®, Glucotrol®, Glucophage®).
• If you are using this medicine to prevent malaria, first find out if you also need a typhoid vaccine. You may need to have the typhoid vaccine at least 3 days before you start using mefloquine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have epilepsy, liver disease, heart disease, or a history of depression.
• You may still get malaria even while using this medicine. If you get sick or have a fever, call your doctor. To help prevent malaria, you can also use bug spray, wear protective clothing, and keep a mosquito net around your bed.
• A child may vomit after taking this medicine. Ask your doctor what to do if this happens.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Some of the side effects listed below may happen after you stop using this medicine. Call your doctor if you have side effects, even if you are no longer using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Feeling confused, depressed, nervous, or restless
• Fever
• Seeing or hearing unusual things
• Seizures
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Body aches, ringing in your ears
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.