Malaria Prophylaxis
Malaria prophylaxis is preventive medication taken before, during, and after travel to malaria-risk areas.
Malaria prophylaxis is preventive medication taken before, during, and after travel to malaria-risk areas.
Also known as
Anti-malarials, Malaria tablets, Malaria prevention medication, Chemoprophylaxis
Why travellers need to know
Malaria kills over 600,000 people annually and is present across sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South and Southeast Asia, and Central/South America. No prophylaxis is 100% effective, but it reduces your risk dramatically. The choice of medication depends on the destination (resistance patterns vary), trip duration, and side-effect tolerance. A travel clinic consultation is essential because the wrong prophylaxis for your region provides no protection.
Real-world example
You're planning a 2-week safari in Tanzania. Your travel clinic prescribes atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), which you start 2 days before arrival, take daily during the trip, and continue for 7 days after returning. The tablets cost GBP 45 for the full course. You take them as directed, use insect repellent, and return home malaria-free.
Country-specific notes
🇹🇿 Tanzania
High malaria risk nationwide including Zanzibar
Tanzania has year-round malaria transmission across the entire country, including Zanzibar and all safari areas. Atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline are the recommended prophylaxis options. Mefloquine is an alternative but has more side effects.
🇹🇭 Thailand
No prophylaxis needed for most tourist areas
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and major tourist islands have negligible malaria risk. Prophylaxis is only recommended for rural border areas (Thai-Myanmar, Thai-Cambodia borders). Most travellers to Thailand do not need anti-malarials.
Don't take malaria tablets for a standard Thailand tourist trip. They have side effects and aren't needed in low-risk areas. Discuss your specific itinerary with a travel clinic.
🇮🇳 India
Risk varies dramatically by region and season
India's malaria risk varies from zero in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai to significant in rural Rajasthan, Odisha, and the northeast during monsoon season. A travel clinic can advise based on your specific itinerary and travel dates.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy malaria tablets over the counter?
In the UK, some pharmacies sell atovaquone-proguanil without a prescription, but a travel clinic consultation is strongly recommended to match the right drug to your destination. In most other countries, anti-malarials require a prescription. Never buy anti-malarials from informal markets abroad.
What are the side effects of malaria prophylaxis?
Side effects depend on the medication. Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) is generally well tolerated. Doxycycline can cause sun sensitivity and stomach upset. Mefloquine (Lariam) can cause vivid dreams, anxiety, and mood changes in some people. Discuss options with your prescriber.
Store your malaria prophylaxis details in Nomedic so any doctor abroad can see what you are taking and adjust treatment if you develop symptoms.