Larimef Tablet (Mefloquine 250mg)

INTRODUCTION

LARIMEF 250MG contains Mefloquine which belongs to a group of medicines called antimalarials. It is used to treat and prevent malaria. Malaria is a disease which occurs when small parasites are passed from one person to another by the bites of certain mosquitoes.

Mefloquine is a quinolone medicine which is effective against CQ-sensitive as well as resistant plasmodia. It controls fever and eliminates circulating parasites in infections caused by P. falciparum or P. vivax in partially immune as well as non-immune individuals. The morphological changes produced in the intraerythrocytic parasite resemble quinine and CQ induced changes. Like CQ it accumulates in infected RBCs (including those with CQ-resistant P.f.), binds to haeme and this complex may be damaging the parasite membranes.

Before taking LARIMEF 250MG, tell your physician if you have liver, kidney or heart problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine is not suitable for use in children below 3 months of age. The common side effects are depression, anxiety, stomach pain and diarrhoea.

USES OF LARIMEF 250MG

• Treats and prevents malaria

HOW LARIMEF 250MG WORKS

Mefloquine belongs to a class of medications called antimalarials which works by killing the organisms that cause malaria.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always take LARIMEF 250MG as instructed by your doctor. Swallow whole and do not crush or chew. Take with plenty of water, after a meal.

SIDE EFFECTS OF LARIMEF 250MG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Apply a wet or cold cloth to forehead and rest in a quiet, comfortable, dark room.

Nausea:

Take normal regular meals and do not eat spicy foods.

Diarrhoea:

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. ORS should be used to prevent dehydration.

Vomiting:

Drink clear or ice-cold drinks and eat light, bland foods, avoid sweets.

Abdominal pain:

Place a warm bottle or heated bag on your abdomen and drink plenty of clear fluids and water.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS of Larimef 250mg

INTERACTIONS

Tell your doctor if you are taking,

• Halofantrine, quinine, quinidine, or chloroquine (treats malaria)
• Β-blocking agents, calcium channel blockers
• Antihistamines (used for allergies)
• Tricyclic anti-depressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), bupropion and phenothiazines (treats mental problems)
• Sodium valproate, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin (treats epilepsy)
• Ketoconazole (used to treat fungal infections)
• Rifampicin, penicillins, cephalosporins (used to treat bacterial infections)
• Efavirenz (used to treat HIV infections)
• Tramadol (used to treat severe pain)
• Medicines for blood clotting disorders and diabetes