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How to take Malarone for malaria prevention

You need to take one 250mg tablet of Malarone starting two days before you leave for a malaria country.

Your course will continue for the duration of your trip and for 7 days after your return.

Take the daily dose with a meal or a milky drink. You should take it at the same time every day.

It is very important that you complete the course after your return. The malaria parasite can survive in your body for some time and stopping your treatment early could put you at risk of developing malaria even if you have already left the risk area.

If you are sick within an hour of taking Malarone, you need to take another tablet straight away as there may not have been enough time for the medication to work. You still need to finish your course as prescribed, so you will need to get a prescription for any additional tablets you may need to complete your course.

If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember, then continue your course at the correct time. Don’t take a double dose to make up for the tablet you missed.

While Malarone is highly effective in preventing malaria, you also need to take precautions to avoid insect bites.

It is very unlikely that you catch malaria if you practise insect bite avoidance and take your tablets as prescribed. However, if you experience malaria symptoms during or after your trip it is important that you see a doctor without delay.

Who can take it?

As with all prescription medications, it is important that a healthcare professional assesses whether Malarone is suitable for you.

During your travel health appointment, the nurse or pharmacist will ask you questions about your travel itinerary and your general health as well as any medications you are taking. They will use this information to assess which antimalarial is best for you. They will also ask you about your preference.

Malarone won’t be suitable for you if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. It may also not be suitable if you suffer from certain medical problems, for example kidney disease. The prescribing nurse of pharmacist will also check which other medications you are currently taking and they will assess whether they interact with Malarone.

Malarone is not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side effects

Malarone is usually well tolerated. However, as most medications it can cause side effects in some patients.

Very common side effects include:

• headache
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach pain
• diarrhoea

Common side effects include:

• dizziness
• insomnia
• strange dreams
• depression
• loss of appetite
• fever
• rash which may be itchy
• cough

Malarone may also affect your blood test results.

For a full list of all side effects, please read the patient leaflet supplied with your medication.

See a doctor without delay if you experience the following side effects:

• Rash and itching
• Difficulty breathing and wheezing
• Swellings of the face or throat

These symptoms could be a sign that you are suffering from an allergic reaction that requires urgent attention.