Informational only — Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.

Shasthya স্বাস্থ্য · Health, made simple
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Community data Updated 2 months ago
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Indications

Malaria

Larimef is indicated for the treatment of acute malaria infections caused by susceptible strains of Plasmodium falciparum (both chloroquine-susceptible and resistant strains) or by P. vivax. It is also indicated for the prophylaxis of P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria infections.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

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.

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.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor 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 & Interactions

Side Effects

No side-effect data recorded yet.