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More Information about Anti-Malarial Medication

At Doctor Today we offer a wide range of anti-malarial medications. Our clinicians will advise you as to the most appropriate medication for you (if any) taking into account factors such as your precise destination(s), length of stay, personal circumstances and medical history. Some of our more commonly-prescribed anti-malarial medications are:

• Malarone (atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride)

  Malarone is a combined anti-malarial that is effective against the most severe form of malaria (Plasmodium falciparum). One tablet of Malarone needs to be taken daily starting from one day prior to entering and continuing for one week after leaving a malarious area. The cost for a pack of 12 tablets for adults is £47 (all inclusive). If more than 12 tablets are required, the cost is £3 per tablet plus a £11 prescription charge. Paediatric malarone tablets are prescribed according to the weight of the child. The cost of a pack of 12 tablets is £25 (all inclusive), or if more than 12 tablets are required then £1.25 per tablet plus a £11 prescription charge.

• Larium (mefloquine)

  Mefloquine (sold under the brand name Larium) is another popular anti-malarial. One tablet should be taken weekly starting one week prior to entering and continuing for 4 to 6 weeks after leaving a malarious area. Larium is not suitable for everyone, and is contraindicated in (amongst others) breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women or patients with history of neuropsychiatric disease including depression. The cost for a pack of 8 tablets is £45 (all inclusive), or if more than 8 tablets are required then £4.20 per tablet plus a £11 prescription charge.

• Doxycycline

  Doxycycline is an antibiotic effective in preventing Plasmodium falciparum malaria. It is usually recommended for short term travel to areas where certain strains of malaria that are resistant to other drugs are present. One (100mg) tablet should be taken daily starting from one week prior to entering and continuing for four weeks after leaving a malarious area. Please note that doxycycline is not suitable for children, breastfeeding mothers or pregnant women. The cost of 50 (100mg) tablets is £25 (all inclusive), or if more than 50 tablets are required 40p per tablet plus a £11 prescription charge.

Additional general information about malaria can be found on the Malaria Hotspots website; for country-specific malaria information, see the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Please do not hesitate to email us at enquiries@doctortoday.co.uk or call us on 020 7433 1444 if you have any further questions or wish to make an appointment.