Doctors' Answers to "Frequently Asked Questions" - Lariam

These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.

Stoppage of Lariam 250 mg [posted 1/14/99]
Question: I have been taken Lariam since the last week of August 1998 prior to travel to Pakistan and came back recently. I took my dose last week also. I have 3 tablets remaining and I'd like to know if I have to finish the medicine or can I stop? Last week I started taking Cipro 500 mg due to upper respiratory congestion and I'm beginning to develop a rash on my neck and red dots on my arms. Is this a reaction to the drugs and if so may I stop taking Lariam?

Answer: You can stop the Lariam. As to the dots, it is hard to know which is causing the problem.

Lariam [posted 1/13/99]
Question: My 16 year old daughter is in South Africa for a year. She's taking Lariam. Can she take it for the whole time she's there or is there a time limit period that is recommended?

Answer: The whole time is ok.

Lariam [posted 1/13/99]
Question: I have planned to travel to Accra, Ghana. At that time I will be 17 weeks pregnant. Do you think it will be safe for me to take this drug during my pregnancy?

Answer: Some risk, but, probably safe.

Lariam [posted 7/16/98]
Question: I have begun a Lariam series. What is not clear from my consultation is the effect that alcohol will have when combined with the 250 mg weekly dose of Lariam. Can you tell me what risks, if any, that are involved and if there is a safe threshold for consumption?

Answer: There are several drugs to avoid with Lariam. It should not be taken with quinine, quinidine, halofantrine, and possibly beta blockers. The concurrent use with different seizure drugs necessitates close monitoring of the drug levels of the seizure medications to ensure that the level does not change. Alcohol in moderate levels does not appear to be a problem.

Lariam
Question: Up to now, I have taken 5 Lariam tablets (200 mg) because I went to Uganda, Africa for 8 days. I returned 3 weeks ago and I began experiencing pain in my arms, shoulders, and chest accompanied by reactions on my face (pimples) remaining for 2 to 3 days after taking the tablets. Can I skip the last tablet since I have been back for 3 weeks and have been taking them regularly?

Answer: Yes, you can skip the last tablet.


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