Malaria Prevention
Antimalarial tablets can reduce the risk of malaria when travelling to areas where the disease occurs. The most suitable medicine depends on factors such as your destination, length and type of travel, age, pregnancy, other medication and individual medical circumstances.
Important to Remember
Antimalarial tablets do not provide complete protection!
They must therefore always be combined with measures to prevent mosquito bites. If you develop a fever while staying in a malaria risk area, seek medical attention immediately. If you develop a fever after leaving a malaria risk area, seek medical attention promptly and tell the healthcare professional where you have travelled.
When Are Antimalarial Tablets Needed?
The need for malaria prevention varies between countries and sometimes between different parts of the same country. The risk also depends on factors such as the length of your stay, your accommodation, whether you will be staying in urban or rural areas, the season and the type of travel.
A doctor or travel vaccination clinic can assess whether antimalarial medication is recommended and which medicine is most appropriate for your particular trip.
Different Advice Can Be Equally Appropriate
You may meet other travellers who have been prescribed a different antimalarial medicine. This does not necessarily mean that either of you has received incorrect advice. Different medicines may be equally appropriate alternatives depending on the destination, individual medical circumstances and the nature of the trip.
The important thing is to take your tablets exactly as prescribed and not to stop taking them on your own initiative.
Common Types of Malaria Prevention
Several different medicines can be used to prevent malaria. The following is a general overview. Always follow the prescribed dose, when to start and stop treatment, and the current patient information supplied with your medicine.
Atovaquone-Proguanil
Atovaquone-proguanil, for example Malarone and equivalent products, is usually taken once daily. It is normally started shortly before entering a malaria risk area, taken throughout the stay and continued for a short period after leaving the area.
It is often a convenient option for shorter trips and is generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include abdominal discomfort, headache and nausea.
Doxycycline
Doxycycline is taken once daily and can be used for malaria prevention in many areas. It is started shortly before entering the malaria risk area and must be continued for a period after leaving the area.
Possible side effects include gastrointestinal problems and increased sensitivity to sunlight, making effective sun protection particularly important. Doxycycline is not suitable for everyone and is generally not used for malaria prevention during pregnancy or in young children.
Mefloquine
Mefloquine, for example Lariam, is usually taken once a week. It may be an option for some travellers and certain destinations, but requires an individual medical assessment.
In rare cases, mefloquine can cause psychological or neurological side effects, such as anxiety, low mood, dizziness or sleep disturbances. Contact a doctor if you develop unexpected symptoms. If you have not taken Lariam before, your doctor may in some cases recommend starting treatment earlier before departure to assess how well you tolerate it.
Take the Tablets Correctly
Take antimalarial tablets exactly as prescribed. Some medicines are taken daily and others once a week. Depending on the medicine, taking it with food and sufficient water may improve absorption or reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
If you vomit soon after taking a dose, the medicine may not have been fully absorbed. Follow the instructions supplied with your medicine or contact a doctor, pharmacist or travel vaccination clinic for advice.
Store Medicines Safely
Always keep antimalarial tablets out of the reach and sight of children. Some antimalarial medicines can be particularly dangerous if a child accidentally takes an excessive dose.
Carry an adequate supply of your medication in your hand luggage and store it according to the instructions on the packaging, protected from excessive heat and moisture where required.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Other Medicines
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a chronic medical condition or regularly take other medicines, you need individual medical advice before choosing malaria prevention. Some antimalarial medicines should be avoided in particular circumstances, while others may be suitable depending on your destination and individual risk.
Tell your doctor about all medicines and other products you use regularly, including contraceptives, medicines for epilepsy, anticoagulants, antibiotics, medicines for nausea and herbal or complementary remedies.
Side Effects
All medicines can cause side effects, although many travellers tolerate antimalarial medication well. Possible side effects vary between medicines and may include nausea, diarrhoea, headache or abdominal discomfort.
Seek medical advice if you develop severe, unusual or worrying symptoms. If you are still in a malaria risk area, do not simply stop taking your malaria prevention without obtaining medical advice, as an appropriate alternative may be needed.
Fever Despite Taking Antimalarial Tablets
Malaria can occur even in people who have taken antimalarial medication correctly. Seek medical attention promptly if you develop fever, chills, flu-like symptoms or unexplained illness while in a malaria risk area or after leaving it.
Malaria most commonly develops within the first few months after exposure, but some forms can present considerably later. Always tell the healthcare professional that you have travelled in a malaria risk area and which antimalarial medicine you took.
Remember
Antimalarial tablets are an important part of malaria prevention when recommended, but they never replace protection against mosquito bites. The best protection combines the appropriate antimalarial medication, consistent measures to prevent mosquito bites and prompt medical assessment if you develop a fever.
Senast uppdaterad 2026-09-02