Malaria, Prevention and Tablets
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Types of Malaria Tablets/Capsules
Doxycycline: from £0.65 per capsule – take one capsule per day from two days before you travel and continue for four weeks after your return.
Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone): from £2.00 per tablet – take one tablet every day from two days before you travel and continue for 7 days after your return.
Which malaria tablets do I need?
The choice of malaria tablets primarily depends on your travel destination. In certain parts of the world, the malaria parasite has developed resistance to chloroquine. If your travels take you to any of these regions, it’s essential to take Malarone or doxycycline to ensure protection.
During your travel consultation, our nurse or pharmacist will recommend the appropriate antimalarials based on the country or countries you plan to visit. You can also access malaria advice specific to your destination by searching for the country’s name.
The most suitable tablets for you will also depend on your medical history and the activities you have planned. For instance, doxycycline may not be ideal if you expect to spend extended periods in the sun, as it can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.
If multiple types of malaria tablets are suitable for your travel itinerary, you can choose the one that best fits your preferences. Some travellers prefer daily tablets, while others find it easier to remember their medication when taken weekly.
Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone)
Dosage: The usual dose for malaria prevention for adults is 250 mg per day.
How to take: Take one 250 mg tablet a day starting two days before you travel. Continue taking one tablet a day until 7 days after leaving the malaria area.
Side effects: As with most medications, Malarone can cause side effects in some patients. Possible side effects include headaches and digestive problems.
Who can take it: Malarone is a prescription-only medication, so a healthcare professional needs to assess whether you can use it. It is not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Additional precautions: Take Malarone exactly as it’s been prescribed to you. In addition to taking your tablets, you need to practise mosquito bite avoidance.
Doxycycline
When to start the course: You need to start taking doxycycline 2 days before you enter a malaria area.
Dosage: The standard dose for malaria prevention is a 100mg dose of doxycycline per day.
How to take: Take a 100mg tablet every day. You need to continue taking the tablets until 4 weeks after your return.
Who can take it: A pharmacist needs to assess whether doxycycline is suitable for you. Doxycycline is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under the age of 12.
During your course: Doxycycline can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreen.
Additional precautions: In addition to taking your antimalarial as prescribed you need to practise insect bite avoidance.
Side effects: Doxycycline can cause side effects in some patients. Possible side effects include feeling or being sick, thrush, indigestion and an increased sensitivity to sunlight.
How do malaria tablets work?
Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted through mosquito bites. Different malaria tablets work in various ways. Some prevent the parasite from multiplying in red blood cells, allowing your immune system to combat the infection before symptoms develop. Others inhibit the parasite from maturing in the liver, preventing it from progressing to infect red blood cells and causing symptoms.
To ensure effective protection, it’s crucial to complete the full course of tablets as prescribed. Malaria tablets only target the parasite during specific stages of its life cycle. Stopping the medication too soon may leave you susceptible to malaria if you were infected while abroad.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is prevalent in over 100 countries and can lead to severe symptoms, including high fever, digestive issues, muscle pain, and convulsions. When left untreated, it can be fatal.
If you’re traveling to a malaria risk area, it’s crucial to protect yourself. Malaria tablets offer effective protection, but you should also practice insect bite avoidance while in such areas. This includes wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers, using insect repellent containing DEET, and possibly using a mosquito net to prevent nighttime bites.
If you experience symptoms of malaria at any point during or after your trip, seek immediate medical assistance, even if you have been taking antimalarial medication.
Who needs malaria tablets?
You need malaria tablets if you’re travelling to a risk area. In addition to taking malaria tablets, it is important that you practise insect bite avoidance.