Which antimalarial tablet should I choose?

Malaria is a very series infection which is spread by mosquitos. If malaria is not diagnosed and treated promptly it can be fatal. Malaria can occur even up to a year after travelling in a malaria risk area. There are different strains of malaria so the right choice of treatment depends on many factors, including where you are travelling to.

How do I know which anti-malaria tablets to take?

The Fit for Travel website lists which anti-malaria tablets are recommended for each region and country. Where it lists more than one medication, you can use the table below to help you make your decision.

The choice of medication will also depend on:

any health problems you have
any medication you are taking
the length of your stay
any problems you may have had with antimalarial medication in the past.

It is really important when you complete our questionnaire that you provide this information when requested so that the doctor can give you more advice.

Before you travel check to see if you are travelling to any areas with a risk of malaria. If you need anti-malaria medication make sure you take it exactly as advised. You can read about possible side effects too.

Anti-malarial tablets are never 100% effective so you must ensure you take adequate precautions to avoid mosquito bites and report any feverish illness to a doctor immediately, as prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria is vital.

	Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil)	Doxycycline
How often should I take them?	One tablet daily	One tablet daily
When should I start the course?	One to two days before entering a malaria zone	One to two days before entering a malaria zone
When does the course finish?	One week after leaving a malaria zone	Four weeks after leaving a malaria zone
What is the maximum length I can take them for?	Up to one year	Up to six months