Traveller to areas where malaria occurs should consult their doctor before departure. Drugs to prevent malaria are usually prescribed for travellers to malarious areas. an exact itinerary is necessary to decide the degree of protection required. The common drugs recommended for the prevention of malaria in travellers include> Mefloquine, Doxycycline, Chloroquine. Strict adherence to the recommended doses and schedule of the antimalarial drug prescribed is necessary for effective protection.
Take the tablet at the same day each week or at the same time each day. Take tablets after meals.
Take the recommended doses 1 to 2 weeks before travel with the exception of doxycycline which is started 1 day before travel, throughout the trip and for 4 weeks after leaving the malarious area.
Do not stop the tablets after arriving home as it is essential to complete the full dosage.
Side effects of antimalarial drugs. all medicines have side effects. mild nausea, occasional vomiting and giddiness are not adequate reasons for stopping the antimalarial drug. The seriousness of malaria warrants tolerating temporary side effects. However, if serious side effects occurs, the traveller should seek medical help and stop taking the antimalarial drug.
