Mefloquine
Also sold as: Lariam
Prescription neededMalaria medicines
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor. For prevention: usually 250 mg once a week, starting before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after return. Take after food with plenty of water.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- dizziness
- strange dreams
- trouble sleeping
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- anxiety
- depression
- confusion or seeing things that are not there
- seizures
- loss of balance
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Depression, anxiety, psychosis or other mental illness, now or before
- Epilepsy
- Heart rhythm problems
- Recent treatment with quinine (risk to the heart)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious2 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Chloroquine
Together they raise the risk of seizures.
- Quinine
Together they raise the risk of seizures and dangerous heart rhythms.
Moderate1 medicineTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Sodium valproate
Mefloquine can lower valproate levels and the seizure threshold.