Lariam

What is Lariam?

Lariam, also known by its generic name mefloquine, is a medication used to prevent and treat malaria. Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Lariam is particularly useful for travellers visiting regions where malaria is prevalent.

Importance of malaria prevention

Malaria poses a significant health risk in many tropical and subtropical areas, including parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East and some Pacific islands.

Preventing malaria is crucial for travellers to these regions, as the disease can cause severe symptoms and complications. Taking prophylactic medication like Lariam can significantly reduce the risk of contracting malaria.

Our participating pharmacies offer Lariam tablets as part of our travel health services to help protect you from malaria during your travels. Our pharmacists provide lots of advice on using Lariam and other malaria prevention measures.

How Lariam works

Lariam works by interfering with the growth of malaria parasites in the red blood cells. It is taken orally, usually as a weekly dose, starting one to two weeks before entering a malaria-endemic area, continued throughout the stay, and for four weeks after leaving the area.

Who should take Lariam?

• Travelers to malaria-endemic regions: Those visiting areas where malaria transmission is known to occur.
• Long-term travellers: Individuals planning extended stays in high-risk areas.
• Humanitarian workers: People involved in aid and relief efforts in regions affected by malaria

Administration and dosage

• Before travel: Start taking Lariam one to two weeks before entering a malaria-endemic area to ensure the medication is in your system and effective.
• During travel: Continue taking the medication once a week, on the same day each week.
• After travel: Keep taking Lariam for four weeks after leaving the malaria-risk area to ensure any remaining parasites are eliminated.

How much is Lariam?

£3.50* per tablet.

*Treatments are based on clinical assessment. Antimalarials are subject to a minimum charge of £9.65 per course.

How can I book an appointment?

Our travel vaccination services are available in the following pharmacies: 

• Birchwood Pharmacy in Lincoln
• Cabourne Avenue Pharmacy in Lincoln
• Parkside Pharmacy in Boston

You can schedule your consultation and vaccination by filling in the Pharmadoctor form on the relevant service page. If you have any questions, contact your local pharmacy branch.