Lariago 250mg Tablet

Lariago tablet is an antimalarial medicine with the active ingredient chloroquine, primarily used for the treatment, prevention, and suppression of malaria. It functions by inhibiting the growth of the malarial parasite, Plasmodium , within your body. The medicine acts on the parasite's DNA and specific enzymes, ultimately leading to the parasite's death and preventing the infection from spreading.

Before you begin taking Lariago, it is important to inform your doctor about any current or planned pregnancies, if you are breastfeeding, all other medicines or supplements you are taking, and any pre-existing medical conditions you have. To minimize the risk of stomach upset, it is recommended to take Lariago after eating a meal. It is vital that you do not stop taking Lariago abruptly, even if you begin to feel better.

Discontinuing the medicine on your own can lead to treatment failure, a recurrence of the infection, and potentially unwanted side effects. As an antimalarial, Lariago is not suitable for common ailments such as the common cold or general fever, as it specifically targets the malarial parasite. If you are experiencing symptoms such as high body temperature, chills, headache, vomiting, or muscle pains due to malaria, this medicine can help.

However, you should not use it for any medical condition other than what your doctor has prescribed it for, and self-medication should be strictly avoided. Be aware that Lariago can interact with other medicines, such as those for heart problems, mental health issues, and certain antacids, which should be taken at least four hours apart. You must also exercise caution regarding alcohol consumption and sun exposure, as the medicine may increase your sensitivity to the sun.

If you are on long-term treatment, your doctor may monitor you for potential heart muscle disorders.

Dosage

Overdose

• Symptoms of an overdose are nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, decrease in potassium level, blurred or double vision, uneasiness, fits, low blood pressure, shock, lung diseases and abnormal heart rate.
• If you experience any of the symptoms or if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

It would be best if you never missed your dose of anti-malarial medicine, it may lead to treatment failure. If you have missed any dose of Lariago tablet, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

An organism called plasmodium causes malaria. Lariago tablet inhibits the growth of the malarial parasite by acting on its DNA & certain enzymes which leads to the death of the malarial parasite and stops the spread of malarial infection.

Directions for Use

• Lariago tablet should be taken as directed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water, do not cut, break or chew the medicine.
• It should be taken after having your meal to avoid stomach discomfort. It would be best if you took it at a fixed time for optimal results.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Lariago tablets during pregnancy?

There is limited safety information available on the use of this medicine during pregnancy. Lariago tablet should not be used during pregnancy unless your doctor considers them essential. Pregnant women should avoid travelling to malaria-prone places. Please consult your doctor before starting this medicine if you are pregnant or think you may be or are planning for a baby.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Lariago tablet while breastfeeding?

Chloroquine passes into the breastmilk in small amounts, thus you should consult your doctor before using Lariago tablet while breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed if you are supposed to take high doses of chloroquine for the long term. Alternative medicine is a better option especially when the newborn is premature.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Lariago tablet?

You may experience visual disturbances like blurred vision during the initial days of treatment. Be cautious and avoid driving if you do not feel well or are unable to be alert.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Lariago tablet?

There is no known interaction between this medicine and alcohol. However, long-term alcohol consumption or heavy drinking is known to suppress your immune function. Consult your doctor if you drink too often.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You experience a sudden drop in blood sugar and unconsciousness, extreme hunger, a headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, restlessness, aggression, reduced alertness, confusion, shakiness or dizziness.
• You are experiencing chest pain, an irregular heart rhythm, an increased heart rate or palpitations.
• You have swelling in your legs, breathlessness, fatigue, bloating or coughing while lying down.
• You have liver, kidney or heart disorders and muscle weakness.
• You have developed rashes after taking this medicine.
• You have a history of an autoimmune disorder of the skin called porphyria.
• If you are supposed to take Lariago Tablet for long-term treatment, then you should be monitored for heart muscle disorder.
• You have a blood enzyme deficiency (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency).
• You must avoid being in sunlight for too long, as Lariago tablets may make you more sensitive to the sun.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to chloroquine or any other ingredients of Lariago 250mg tablet.
• If you are taking amiodarone medicine to control irregular heartbeats.

Side effects

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Lariago tablet works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction. Also, you should inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination schedule.
• Especially, if you are taking medicines to treat your heart problems, mental health problems, other antimalarials, medicines to reduce the acid content in the stomach and anti-infectives.
• Medicine used to reduce stomach acid & to treat diarrhoea like kaolin should be taken with a minimum gap of four hours.

Interactions with food items

Lariago tablets, containing chloroquine, should be taken with food to minimize the risk of stomach upset and improve tolerance. Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

Storage and disposal

• Store Lariago tablets below 30°C in a clean and dry place, protected from moisture, sunlight and heat.
• Keep it away from children and pets.
• Discard any unused medicine properly, do not flush in the toilet or throw it into the drain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I avoid getting malaria infection?

• Wear light-coloured, long-sleeve clothing and long trousers if you are outside after sunset to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
• It would be best if you use an insect repellent cream or spray to reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes.
• It would be best if you use a mosquito net around the bed while sleeping to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Can I stop taking tab Lariago on my own?

No, you should never stop taking antimalarial medicine until advised by the doctor, even if you are feeling good. If you stop taking Lariago tablets, it may lead to treatment failure, recurrence of infection and may produce side effects as well.

Can I use Lariago 250 mg tablet for fever?

No, Lariago tablet is an antimalarial medicine and may not be useful in fever.

How long do I take Lariago 250?

The dose and duration of Lariago tablets will depend on the response to treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions and do not stop taking this medicine on your own.

Can Lariago tablet be used for cold?

No, Lariago tablet may not be useful in treating a cold. It is an anti-malarial medicine used to treat symptoms of malarial infection such as high body temperature, shivery, feeling hot, headache, vomiting, muscle pains etc.

When should I take my Lariago tablet?

Lariago tablet should be taken after having your meal to avoid stomach discomfort. It would be best if you took it at a fixed time for optimal results.

Can I take Lariago for chills?

Do not use this medicine for any other medical condition other than what it is prescribed for. Based on the cause and your medical history, your doctor shall prescribe one of these medicines. Take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor and do not self-medicate.