Lariam (Mefloquine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 8, 2012

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Lariam

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LARIAM®
(mefloquine hydrochloride) Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Lariam (mefloquine hydrochloride) is an antimalarial agent available as 250-mg tablets of mefloquine hydrochloride (equivalent to 228.0 mg of the free base) for oral administration.

Mefloquine hydrochloride is a 4-quinolinemethanol derivative with the specific chemical name of (R*, S*)-(±)-α-2-piperidinyl-2,8-bis (trifluoromethyl)-4-quinolinemethanol hydrochloride. It is a 2-aryl substituted chemical structural analog of quinine. The drug is a white to almost white crystalline compound, slightly soluble in water.

Mefloquine hydrochloride has a calculated molecular weight of 414.78 and the following structural formula:

LARIAM® (mefloquine hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

The inactive ingredients are ammonium-calcium alginate, corn starch, crospovidone, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, poloxamer #331, and talc.

What are the possible side effects of mefloquine (Lariam)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking mefloquine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

depressed mood, feeling restless or anxious;
confusion, extreme fear, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
severe or uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea;
fever;
cough, wheezing, feeling short of breath;
nausea,...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Lariam »

What are the precautions when taking mefloquine (Lariam)?

Before taking mefloquine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to quinine or quinidine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have the following medical conditions: active or recent depression, anxiety disorder, psychiatric disorders, seizure disorders.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems, liver problems.

This medication may cause dizziness or loss of balance. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities...

Read All Potential Precautions of Lariam »

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/10/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.