If you’ve been told to take Lariam, you probably wonder how much to take and when. Lariam (mefloquine) is a pill used to stop malaria before you travel to a risky area, and it can also treat an infection you already have. Below you’ll find the most common dosing schedules, what to do if you’re under or over the usual weight, and a few safety pointers.
For most adults, the preventive dose is one 250 mg tablet (that’s the standard size you’ll find in a pharmacy). You start the first dose at least one week before you set foot in a malaria‑risk zone. Then you keep taking one tablet every week while you’re there. When you leave, keep taking the tablet once a week for four weeks.
If you’re under 45 kg (about 100 lb), your doctor may recommend a lower dose – often 125 mg per week – because the drug can affect lighter people more strongly. Kids get a dose that’s calculated by weight, usually 5 mg per kilogram once a week.
When Lariam is used to treat an active malaria infection, the plan changes. Adults typically take 1250 mg (five 250 mg tablets) on the first day, then 750 mg (three tablets) on days two and three. This short, intense course clears the parasite quickly.
For children, the dose is again based on weight: about 15 mg per kilogram on day one, then 10 mg per kilogram on days two and three. Your doctor will write the exact numbers on the prescription.
Take Lariam with food and a full glass of water. The pill can upset your stomach, and food helps reduce that. Set a weekly reminder on your phone so you don’t miss a dose – missing a week can lower protection.
Watch for side effects. Some people feel dizziness, trouble sleeping, or vivid dreams. If you get severe anxiety, depression, or hallucinations, call your doctor right away. Those symptoms are rare but need medical attention.
Pregnant women should avoid Lariam unless the benefit outweighs the risk. The drug crosses the placenta and can affect the baby.
If you’re traveling to a place with high resistance to other malaria drugs, Lariam might be the only option the doctor recommends. Always discuss your travel itinerary, any other medicines you’re taking, and your medical history before starting.
That’s the core of Lariam dosing. Follow your doctor’s instructions, keep the schedule, and you’ll lower your malaria risk without hassle.
Learn what Lariam is, how it prevents malaria, proper dosing, common side effects, and safety advice for travelers in a clear, practical guide.