Lariago-DS

What is Lariago‑DS Tablet?

Lariago‑DS is an oral antimalarial tablet containing chloroquine 500 mg (chloroquine phosphate), manufactured by Ipca Laboratories. 

Uses

• Treatment and prevention (prophylaxis) of malaria, particularly when caused by chloroquine‑susceptible Plasmodium species .

• Off‑label uses include amebiasis and occasionally in rheumatoid arthritis/lupus, especially when other treatments fail

Mechanism of Action

Chloroquine concentrates in parasite‑infected red blood cells where it increases heme levels, toxic to malaria parasites, thus inhibiting their growth and spread

Benefits

• Rapid clearance of malaria parasites.

• Effective prophylaxis for travelers to endemic areas.

• Oral formulation is easy to administer.

• Potential adjunct in treating autoimmune diseases and amebiasis 

How to Take It

• Oral administration, swallowed whole with food to reduce GI upset 

• Avoid chewing or crushing the tablet

Dosage

• Treatment: Typically taken daily for 3 days, per physician’s regimen for malaria.

• Prophylaxis: Often one dose weekly, starting before entering endemic areas, per medical guidelines.

• Dosage is weight-based, depending on indication and risk; follow doctor’s instructions.

Missed Dose & Overdose

• Missed dose: Take as soon as remembered; if near next scheduled dose, skip; do not double dose 

• Overdose: May lead to severe symptoms—anaphylaxis, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, coma, or death—requires immediate medical attention .

Side Effects

Common:

• GI upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), headache, dizziness, rash, blurred vision, itching .

Serious (rare):

• Retinopathy (vision damage with long-term, high-dose use) — monitor via eye exams 

• Cardiac issues (QT prolongation, arrhythmias)

• Hypoglycemia, blood disorders, neuropsychiatric effects, muscle weakness 

Interactions of Lariago-DS

• Cardiac drugs (e.g., amiodarone, antipsychotics): increased risk of arrhythmias

• Antacids: may reduce absorption—space doses by 4 hours

• Antidiabetic meds/insulin: may need dose adjustments due to hypoglycemia risk

• Other interactions: anticonvulsants, psychiatric medications, antiarrhythmics, antibiotics, and others

Precautions of Lariago-DS

• Avoid in G6PD deficiency, porphyria, psoriasis, heart, liver, or kidney disease 

• Increased photosensitivity—sun protection recommended

• Avoid driving if symptoms like dizziness or blurred vision occur 

• Use in pregnancy—with caution and medical supervision

Storage

• Store at room temperature below 30 °C, in a dry place, away from children

Availability in US & Australia

• USA: Chloroquine is prescription-only; limited use due to resistance.

• Australia: Prescription-only; malaria prophylaxis and treatment available in medical settings.

• Lariago‑DS brand is sold in India, but chloroquine is globally available under various brands.

FAQs

Q: Can it be used for COVID‑19?

No—its use against COVID‑19 is not recommended.

Q: Is long-term use safe?

Requires regular eye and ECG monitoring due to risks of retinopathy and cardiac toxicity 

Q: Can diabetics take it?

Yes, but monitor blood sugar, as it may lower glucose levels .