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.
Malaria
Question: How contagious is Malaria. I am taking Lariam and have strange side effects (i.e. bad dreams). Should I be concerned?
Answer: Malaria is caused by the transmission of parasites in the Plasmodium family and is infectious only by direct blood innoculation. This is usually done by insects; but, there are reported cases of blood transfusions and sharing needles with drugs causing transmission of malaria. Direct personnal contact is not thought to cause transmission of malaria.
Lariam (mefloquine hydrochloride) is used in treating malaria. Its method of action is not known and it is generally used in the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, not Plasmodium ovale or malariae. Because it does not eliminate the hepatic phase of the parasite that causes malaria, it is subject to relapses. Although emotional problems have been reported while taking the drug, bad dreams are not one of the usual listed side effects. However, once you can stop taking the drug you will know if Lariam is the cause.
Malaria-Mefloquin
Question: Can you provide any information on the possible teratogenic effects of mefloquin.
Answer: Mefloquin is the generic name for an anti-malarial drug which can cause dizziness. Serious drug interactions with other drugs have been reported and subsequent treatment with other anti-malarials can cause serious problems. This drug has been shown to cause different kinds of cancer in rats and mice. Short term studies in humans have demonstrated no effects on the sperm. However, use in pregnant women would be risky. Post marketing studies have not demonstrated any marked ability to cause cancers with normal use.
