Malaria – Mefloquine
Mefloquine (Lariam®) for Malaria Prevention at Neils Pharmacy
Mefloquine Malaria Tablets in Prescot
At Neils Pharmacy, we provide travel consultations and supply Mefloquine, also known by the brand name Lariam®, for malaria prevention where clinically appropriate.
🌍 Mefloquine is a prescription-only anti-malarial medicine used for certain malaria-risk destinations.
📅 It is taken once weekly, which may suit some travellers who prefer weekly dosing rather than daily malaria tablets.
What Is Mefloquine?
Mefloquine is an anti-malarial medicine used to help prevent malaria infection in travellers visiting certain malaria-risk areas.
💊 Usually taken once weekly
🌍 Used for selected malaria-risk destinations
🧳 May be considered for some longer trips
📋 Requires careful suitability assessment
🩺 Supplied following a travel health consultation
Mefloquine Dosage Schedule
💊 Mefloquine is usually taken once weekly for malaria prevention.
📅 Start at least 2-3 weeks before entering the malaria-risk area
💊 Take one tablet once weekly while in the malaria-risk area
📅 Continue once weekly for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria-risk area
🕒 Take on the same day each week
🍽️ Take after food and with plenty of water
📌 Starting Mefloquine several weeks before travel is important so side effects and suitability can be assessed before departure.
Cost of Mefloquine
💷 Mefloquine is supplied in packs of 8 tablets.
📦 One pack of 8 tablets costs £25.
✈️ As an example, a traveller spending 2 weeks in a malaria-risk area would typically require approximately 8 tablets, covering:
📅 2-3 weeks before travel
🌍 The duration of travel
📅 4 weeks after leaving the malaria-risk area
📌 The exact number of tablets required depends on your destination and travel dates. We will confirm this during your travel consultation.
Advantages of Mefloquine
Mefloquine may be suitable for some travellers after careful assessment.
📅 Once-weekly dosing
🌍 Suitable for selected malaria-risk destinations
🧳 May suit some longer trips
📋 Can be considered where other anti-malarials are unsuitable
Important Suitability Checks
Mefloquine is not suitable for everyone and requires careful pharmacist assessment.
🧠 Not usually suitable for people with a history of depression, anxiety, psychosis or other significant mental health conditions
⚡ Not usually suitable for people with epilepsy or a history of seizures
❤️ Certain heart rhythm or conduction problems may affect suitability
🤰 Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individual assessment
📋 A consultation helps confirm whether Mefloquine is appropriate for your trip
Mental Health & Side Effect Warning
Mefloquine can cause serious side effects in some people, including mood, sleep, anxiety and neurological symptoms.
😟 Stop taking Mefloquine and seek medical advice if you develop anxiety, depression, confusion or mood changes
🌙 Seek advice if you experience unusual dreams, nightmares or severe sleep disturbance
🌀 Seek advice if you develop dizziness, balance problems or neurological symptoms
⚠️ Some side effects may occur after stopping the medicine, so early reporting is important
Diving, Driving & Safety-Critical Activities
Mefloquine may not be suitable for some travellers undertaking activities where dizziness, balance disturbance or altered alertness could create extra risk.
🤿 Scuba divers may need an alternative anti-malarial
🚗 Take care with driving or operating machinery if affected by side effects
✈️ Pilots and certain safety-critical workers may require specialist advice
📌 Tell the pharmacist about your planned activities during your consultation
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, Mefloquine can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them.
🤢 Nausea or stomach upset
🌙 Sleep disturbance or unusual dreams
🌀 Dizziness or balance disturbance
😟 Mood changes or anxiety symptoms
⚠️ Seek medical advice promptly if you experience severe, unusual or mental health-related side effects
Mosquito Bite Prevention Still Matters
Anti-malarial tablets reduce risk but do not provide complete protection.
🦟 Use insect repellent containing DEET where appropriate
👕 Wear long sleeves and long trousers
🛏️ Use mosquito nets where necessary
🏨 Stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodation where possible
🌅 Mosquitoes that spread malaria are often most active between dusk and dawn
Other Malaria Prevention Options
Depending on your destination and medical history, alternative anti-malarial medicines may be more suitable.
💊 Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone®) Malaria Tablets
💊 Doxycycline for Malaria Prevention
Learn More About Mefloquine & Malaria Prevention
Malaria recommendations vary depending on destination, season and travel style.
Book a Mefloquine Malaria Consultation
📅 Book a malaria consultation at Neils Pharmacy to assess whether Mefloquine is suitable for your trip.
✈️ Ideally arrange your consultation at least 3-4 weeks before travel, as Mefloquine should usually be started several weeks before departure.
The Pharmacy First service builds on the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service which has run since October 2019. The consultation service enables patients to be referred into community pharmacy for a minor illness or an urgent repeat medicine supply.
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