A Quick Guide to Anti-Malarials

Generic Name

Adult
Dose

Pro's & Con's

Children

Before Pregnancy

Pregnancy

Start

Finish

Chloroquine (Nivaquine)

2 x 150 mg/wk (of base)

Good protection in some Caribbean islands only. Safe. Incidence of serious adverse events <1:13,600. 1 weekly. Discuss with Doctor if using for +5 yrs: potential eye effects

Yes

-

Yes

1wk before entering malarial area

4wks after leaving malarial area

Proguanil (Paludrine)

2 x100 mg daily (with other drugs)

Safe. Effective only with other drugs. Can be used continuously for several years

Yes

-

Yes. Take 5mg folic acid daily supplement

Mefloquine
(Lariam)

1 x 250 mg weekly

Remains highly effective in all areas except some parts of Thailand, Cambodia, Burma. Avoid if history of psychiatric disturbance or fits. Severe reactions in 1:6,000 - 1:10,000 users. Can be used continuously for at least 1 year. Has been used for up to 3 years: ask your Doctor.

Yes.
+3mths

Women should allow 3mths after finishing Mefloquine before trying to conceive

Best avoided in pregnancy and for 3mths after and breast feeding though no documented evidence of harm

2wks before entering malarial area

4wks after leaving malarial area

Malarone

1 tablet daily

Highly effective. Must be taken daily. Licensed only for 28 days at a time though UK Health Protection Agency support its use for up to 12 months. Expensive.

Not under 11 Kg's

Allow 2wks after finishing before trying to conceive

Avoid in pregnancy and breast feeding

1day before entering malarial area

1wk after leaving malarial area

Doxycycline

1 x 100 mg daily

Effective. Low side effects but include thrush, diarrhoea, sun induced rash. Interacts with “pill” and other drugs. Licensed for 6 months use but may be used for 2 yrs.

Not for children under 12 yrs

Allow 2wks after finishing Doxycycline before trying to conceive

Avoid in pregnancy and breast feeding

1wk before entering malarial area

4wks after leaving malarial area

For more information on drugs, side effects and interactions with other medications see:

http://www.who.int/ith/chapter07_05.html#table7.2.1
http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/General/drugs_malaria_prophylax.html
http://wolga.chez.tiscali.fr