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Other brands with the same active ingredient
These brands contain the same active ingredient (Mefloquine). Same strength and form. Confirm the switch with your doctor or pharmacist.
Indications & Uses
Malarium is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Mefloquine causes the food vacuoles of Plasmodium falciparum to swell. It appears to work by forming toxic complexes with free heme, which damage membranes and interfere with other components of the parasite. Mefloquine is an antimalarial agent that acts as a blood schizonticide, active against the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium species. It has no effect on the exoerythrocytic (hepatic) stage of the parasite, but it is effective against malaria parasites that are resistant to chloroquine. Mefloquine is a chiral molecule: some research suggests that its (+) enantiomer is more effective in treating malaria, while the (-) enantiomer binds specifically to adenosine receptors in the central nervous system, which may explain some of the drug's psychotropic effects.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Adult: For malaria prevention, take 1 tablet (250 mg) once a week, starting 1-2 weeks before travel to a malaria-risk area and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving it. For malaria treatment, take 5 tablets (5 x 250 mg) as a single dose (up to a maximum of 1.5 gm), or preferably split into 2 doses given 6 to 8 hours apart.
Children 6 Months and Older: For malaria prevention, give about 5 mg per kg of body weight once a week (250 mg for children over 45 kg, with the dose reduced in proportion to body weight for those 45 kg or under). For malaria treatment, give 20 to 25 mg per kg of body weight, which may be split into two doses 6 to 8 hours apart to reduce the occurrence or severity of adverse reactions.
Elderly Patients: No differences in response between elderly and younger patients have been identified.
This medicine should be taken with food, preferably with meals and a full glass of water.
Side Effects
Among people who took Larimef to prevent malaria, the most commonly reported side effects were vomiting, dizziness, fainting, and extra heartbeats, with other complaints occurring in fewer than 1% of cases. Among those who took Larimef to treat malaria, the most commonly reported side effects were dizziness, muscle aches, nausea, fever, headache, vomiting, chills, diarrhoea, skin rash, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, and ringing in the ears.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Warnings: Larimef can sometimes cause psychiatric symptoms, ranging from anxiety, paranoia, and depression to hallucinations and psychotic behavior. Rare cases of suicidal thoughts and suicide have been reported, though no link to the drug has been confirmed. Larimef should be used with caution in patients with a previous history of depression. Taking Larimef together with quinine or quinidine may cause abnormal heart rhythms on ECG and may increase the risk of convulsions. Precautions: In patients with epilepsy, Larimef may increase the risk of convulsions. Caution should be exercised with activities requiring alertness and fine motor coordination, such as driving, piloting aircraft, and operating machinery. Larimef should be used with caution in patients with psychiatric disturbances. In patients with impaired liver function, elimination of Larimef may be prolonged, leading to higher plasma levels.
Contraindications
Use of Mefloquine is contraindicated in anyone known to be hypersensitive to Mefloquine or related compounds such as quinine and quinidine. It should not be given for prevention (prophylaxis) to patients who have active depression, a recent history of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia or other major psychiatric conditions, or a history of convulsions.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy
There has been no adequate, well-controlled study of mefloquine in pregnant women. Even so, clinical experience has not shown mefloquine to harm an embryo or cause birth defects. Doctors should use mefloquine during pregnancy only when the likely benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the baby.
Breastfeeding
Mefloquine passes into breast milk, but only in small amounts, and what that small amount does to a nursing baby isn't known. Because mefloquine can cause serious side effects in a breastfed infant, a decision needs to be made about whether the mother should stop the medicine. That decision should weigh how important the medicine is for the mother's own health.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
If someone takes too much Mefloquine, the symptoms may be more pronounced. The recommended steps are to induce vomiting or perform gastric lavage, as appropriate. Cardiac function should be monitored (by ECG if possible), along with neurologic and psychiatric status, for at least 24 hours. Symptomatic and intensive supportive treatment should be given as required, particularly for any cardiovascular disturbance. Vomiting or diarrhoea is treated with standard fluid therapy.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Mefloquine in a cool, dry place and away from light.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Malarium 250 mg
What is Malarium 250 mg Tablet?
Malarium 250 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Mefloquine. It is made by Aristopharma Limited. It belongs to the Anti-malarial drugs group of medicines.
What is Malarium used for?
Malarium is used for: Malaria.
What are the side effects of Malarium?
Among people who took Larimef to prevent malaria, the most commonly reported side effects were vomiting, dizziness, fainting, and extra heartbeats, with other complaints occurring in fewer than 1% of cases. Among those who took Larimef to treat malaria, the most commonly reported side effects were dizziness, muscle aches, nausea, fever, headache, vomiting, chills, diarrhoea, skin rash, abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, and ringing in the ears.
Can I take Malarium during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy There has been no adequate, well-controlled study of mefloquine in pregnant women. Even so, clinical experience has not shown mefloquine to harm an embryo or cause birth defects. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Malarium?
If someone takes too much Mefloquine, the symptoms may be more pronounced. The recommended steps are to induce vomiting or perform gastric lavage, as appropriate. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Malarium?
Keep Mefloquine in a cool, dry place and away from light.
Can I take other medicines with Malarium?
Some medicines can interact with Mefloquine, for example: Ketoconazole, Chloroquine Phosphate, Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate, Carbamazepine, Digoxin, Valproic Acid. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Malarium?
Malarium is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.