Definition

Noun: - A proprietary name for the antimalarial drug mefloquine hydrochloride. It is used for the prevention and treatment of malaria, particularly strains resistant to other medications like chloroquine. Its use has been associated with potential neuropsychiatric side effects.

Usage

• As a proper noun (tradename): "Larium" is typically used with a capital 'L' as it is a brand name. It refers specifically to the pharmaceutical product.
• Context: The word is used almost exclusively in medical, travel health, and pharmacological contexts when discussing malaria prophylaxis or treatment.

Examples

• The doctor prescribed Larium for my trip to a region with chloroquine-resistant malaria.
• Due to concerns about side effects, some travelers choose alternatives to Larium.
• Larium (mefloquine) is known to be effective but requires careful screening of the patient's medical history.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast to other antimalarial drugs (e.g., chloroquine, doxycycline, Malarone).
• In medical literature, it is frequently followed by its generic name in parentheses: Larium (mefloquine).

Variants and Related Words

• Mefloquine (n): The generic, non-proprietary name for the drug marketed as Larium.
• Mephaquine (n): Another trade name for the same drug (mefloquine).

Synonyms

• Mefloquine (direct synonym, generic name)
• Mephaquine (synonymous trade name)

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is the specific branded medication. Its key distinguishing features in definition are its efficacy against chloroquine-resistant malaria and its noted potential for neuropsychiatric side effects (e.g., dizziness, anxiety, vivid dreams, and in rare cases, more severe reactions).

Noun

1. an antimalarial drug (trade name Larium and Mephaquine) that is effective in cases that do not respond to chloroquine; said to produce harmful neuropsychiatric effects on some people