Anti-Malarial Medication

Malaria Treatment and Prevention

Anyone travelling to a region of the world where malaria is present is recommended to take a course of anti-malarials. These medications must be taken prior to travel. Please visit the NHS Fit For Travel website to find out which treatments are appropriate for your trip.

Can I Buy Malaria Pills Online?

The Online Clinic is prepared to supply preventative treatment against malaria, dependent upon the medication being suitable for you. Please fill in a free consultation form, which will be reviewed by one of our doctors.

Available Treatments

Choloroquine

Chloroquine is sold under the brand names Avloclor. Avloclor (chloroquine) should be started a week before travel and patients should only stop taking it 4 weeks after they return to a non-malarious region. The usual dosage is two tablets once a week. Chloroquine is sometimes used in combination with Proguanil (see below).

Like all medications, Chloroquine can cause side effects. These side effects can include nausea, headaches, rashes and visual disturbances. Avloclor should only be used with caution by patients with a history of liver or renal disease. It is not recommended for patients with epilepsy and can cause retinal and corneal damage if used on a long-term basis.

Paludrine (Proguanil)

The usual adult dose of Paludrine is two 200mg tablets to be taken daily. Patients should begin the course of treatment shortly before travelling (preferably 1 week prior) and continue for 4 weeks after they return to a non-malarious region.

Like other medications, Paludrine (proguanil) can cause side effects, which include diarrhoea and mouth ulcers. Paludrine should be used with caution in those taking anticoagulant medications, such as Warfarin and those with renal impairment.

Lariam (Mefloquine)

Mefloquine is sold as Lariam. The usual dose is 250 mg once a week. Treatment should start at least a week before travel and continue for 4 weeks after the person leaves the malarious region. Ideally users should be given 3 doses at weekly intervals before they travel if they have never used Lariam before, to ensure that they do not experience side effects and therefore require an alternative treatment. In the UK, Lariam is only licensed to be used for up to a year. The minimum recommended course is 6 weeks.

Lariam (mefloquine) can cause side effects including nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness and rashes. Psychotic and paranoid reactions have been reported, as has depression.

The Online Clinic does not prescribe Larium. it is our assessment that safer medications are available as malaria prophylaxes.

Malarone (Atovaquone and Proguanil)

The usual dose of Malarone for adults is one tablet daily. Treatment should begin 1 to 2 days before travel to the malarial region and should be continued for a week after returning to a non-malarial area. It is licensed for use for trips lasting up to 28 days.

Side effects associated with Malarone include stomach pain, headache, nausea, diarrhoea and mouth ulcers. Malarone can also cause abnormal dreams and depression. Those with renal (kidney) problems or those taking anticoagulants should discuss treatment with their doctor.

The above summaries of the different anti-malarials are just that - summaries. You must make a full disclosure as to your health background and any medications that you are taking so that a proper assessment as to the appropriateness of any of the above medications can be made.

To make a purchase online, simply complete the free consultation by clicking on the button below and complete the questionnaires that follow. One of our doctors should respond within an hour and then you can make a purchase if appropriate.