Malaria tablets

Malaria is a serious illness caused by a parasite spread by mosquitoes that bite between dusk and dawn. There is no vaccine for travellers. Protection follows ABCD: Awareness of risk, Bite prevention, Chemoprophylaxis (tablets) where advised, and prompt Diagnosis.

Who it’s for

• Travellers to areas where NaTHNaC recommends antimalarials, such as Kenya, Tanzania, Papua in Indonesia and three states of India.
• In low-risk areas tablets are not usually advised, but may be considered for people at higher risk such as pregnant women, young children, people over 70, those with a weakened immune system or no spleen, and long-stay travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Schedule

Atovaquone with proguanil

One tablet daily. Start 1 to 2 days before entering the risk area, continue while there and for 7 days after leaving. Take with food.

Doxycycline

One 100mg capsule daily. Start 1 to 2 days before, continue while there and for 4 weeks after leaving. Not for children under 12.

Mefloquine

One 250mg tablet weekly. Start 2 to 3 weeks before, continue while there and for 4 weeks after leaving.

Good to know

• No tablet is 100% effective, so bite avoidance is still essential.
• Children's doses are based on weight and not every tablet is suitable.
• A fever of 38C or more from one week after entering a risk area, and for up to a year after return, needs urgent medical attention.

Common questions