Malaria Preventative Treatment

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a potentially life threatening disease. It is caused by a parasite which is carried from person to person by an infected female mosquito.

What can I do to reduce my risk of catching it?

When taken properly, Malarial Medications are highly effective against catching Malaria. However, all people are advised to use the Malaria prevention ABCD.

Be (A)ware of the risk
Prevent (B)ites wherever possible i.e. cover up with clothes, use repellants on exposed skin. Sleep under impregnated nets.
(C)omplete the course – take all the tablets as directed!
If you have any fever or flu like illness within 1 year after being in malarial zone you must see your (D)octor.

What about children or pregnant women?

Children's doses are weight dependant. Please bring them in to be weighed before we can prescribe tablets or medicine.

For advice regarding Malaria prevention in pregnancy, please see special advice leaflet.

Be aware of the Malaria Risk
No medication is totally effective
AVOID BEING BITTEN!

If you have flu-like symptoms within 1 year of travel to a malarial area, you should report it to a doctor.

Medications & Directions for non pregnant adults

Note tablet costs are approximate only. The price will vary with time and will be priced differently in the shops. We do not recommend buying abroad or on the internet as counterfeiting is rife.

Mefloquine 250mg (Larium) £3.50 per tablet + VAT at 17.5%	Take 1 tablet on the same day of each week for 2 to 3 weeks before entering a malarial zone, during your stay and for 4 weeks after leaving. Take the tablet after food.
Avloclor 250mg x 2 weekly 20p per tablet + VAT at 17.5%	Take 2 tablets, on the same day of each week, for 1 week prior to travelling, during your stay and for 4 weeks on returning home. Take the tablet with or after food.
Doxycycline 100mg 35p per tablet + VAT at 17.5%	Take 1 tablet 100mg daily. Begin 1 week before travel, during your stay and continue for 4 weeks after return. Be aware of photosensitivity risk
Paludrine 100mg 15p per tablet + VAT at 17.5%	Take 2 tablets every day for 1 week prior to travelling, during your stay and for 4 weeks on returning home.
Malarone £2.75 per tablet + VAT at 17.5%	Take 1 tablet daily for 1 to 2 days before entering a malarial zone, during your stay and continue for 7 days after leaving.