Which malaria tablets should I choose?

You should choose malaria prevention medicines based on where you are going, any long term health conditions that you have and your own personal preferences. Obviously it is important that the malaria prevention medicines that you choose will be effective in your travel destination. Our pharmacists will be able to advise you on the best options for your destinations.  Please tell our pharmacists if you have any long term health conditions as these might affect the best choice of malaria medicines for you. If you are pregnant or breast feeding you will need specialist advice, please discuss this with your pharmacist. All medicines have the potential to cause side-effects however this risk is much less serious than that associated with malaria. It is also important to remember that not everyone will get side-effects from their medicines. Read the information below to find out more about your options.

Chloroquine  

Chloroquine is also know by the brand name Avloclor®. Depending on your travel destination, this medicine can be taken alone or in combination with Proguanil. It is normally taken once a week. Chloroquine should be started one week before departure and taken throughout your stay. It should be continue for four weeks after you leave the malaria area. You should avoid antacids within two hours of taking chloroquine. Many patients do not suffer from any side-effects. Possible side-effects include nausea, diarrhoea, headache, rashes and skin itch. This medicine is not suitable for people with epilepsy or psoriasis. Click here for a copy of the patient information leaflet.

Proguanil

Proguanil can be taken by itself or in combination with chloroquine depending on your travel destination. This should be started a week before departure and it should be taken throughout your stay. It should be continued for four weeks after you leave the malaria area. Many people do not get any side-effects. Possible side-effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, skin itch and mouth ulcers. It can interfere with the metabolism of warfarin, please ask your pharmacist for advice. Please tell your pharmacist if you suffer from kidney problems. Click here for a copy of the patient information leaflet.

Atovaquone/Proguanil

This medicine is also known by the brand name Malarone®. It should be started one or two days before departure and you should continue to take it daily during your stay and for seven days after leaving the malaria area. Many people do not get any side-effects from this medicine.  However, possible side-effects may include rashes, abdominal pain, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness and a change in sleep pattern.

Atovaquone/proguanil may not be suitable for people with kidney disease. This medicine may not be suitable for people taking tetracyclines, metoclopramide, rifampicin, rifabutin or indinavir. Please ask your pharmacist for further advice. Please tell your pharmacist if you are taking warfarin. Some travel experts think that It is important that you avoid becoming pregnant for two weeks after stopping this medicine. Click here for a copy of the patient information leaflet.

Doxycycline

You should take one or two doses of this medicine before you depart. You will need to take it daily throughout your stay and for four weeks after leaving the malaria area. Take this medicine with a full tumbler sized glass of water, whist sitting upright or standing. Do not take iron or zinc supplements within two hours of taking this medicine. This medicine might make some epilepsy medicines, for example phenytoin and carbamazepine, less effective. You may not get any side-effects from this medicine.  However, possible side-effects may include nausea, diarrhoea, thrush, sore tongue and headaches. This medicine may also make you more sensitive to sunburn. Click here for a copy of the patient information leaflet.

Mefloquine 

You need to take this medicine once a week, starting from 10 days before you depart. It is taken throughout your stay and should be continued for four weeks after you return. If you have not used this medicine before, your pharmacist may advise you to start taking it three weeks before you depart. This is so that you can be given an alternative medicine if side-effects occur. You need to take this medicine with plenty of water.

Mefloquine is not suitable if you have suffered from severe liver disease, epilepsy or mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or psychosis in the past. Please tell your pharmacist if you suffer from a heart or kidney condition. Possible side-effects may include nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, rashes, itch, headache, sleep disturbances and rarely, psychiatric reactions such as depression. We also recommend that you do not become pregnant within three months of taking mefloquine. Click here for a copy of the patient information leaflet.

What else can I do to prevent malaria?

In addition to taking malaria prevention tablets you should try to avoid mosquito bites. You can do this by using a DEET based insect repellent. Cover your skin between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes feed. You should sleep under a mosquito net. Use air conditioning in your bedroom where possible. For the latest information please go to the Travel Health Pro website or book an appointment to speak to one of our pharmacists.

Can I get malaria tablets today?

Yes, we can organise a prescription for your malaria tablets today. It is better for you to start taking malaria tablets on the day that you travel rather than not at all. Click here to book a same day appointment.