Summary of information received from MHRA – Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority.
- Although the risk of neuropsychiatric side effects with mefloquine (Lariam) is well-established, a recent review of the prescribing information has led to strengthened warnings and new measures to help minimise risks.
- To minimise the risk of these adverse reactions, mefloquine (Lariam) must not be used for chemoprophylaxis in patients with active or a history of psychiatric disturbances such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, or other psychiatric disorders. If neuropsychiatric reactions or changes to mental state occur during mefloquine chemoprophylaxis, the patient should be advised to stop taking mefloquine and seek medical advice as soon as possible so that it can be replaced by another medicine for malaria prevention
Following this advice, Barnet Travel Clinic has amended its previous guidelines in the issue of mefloquine. Please contact us for more information