Anti-Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread by mosquitoes, usually at night time and particularly in tropical climates. Symptoms develop within 10 days to 4 weeks, however the infection can lie dormant for several months before symptoms start to show.

What is malaria?

This disease starts when a Plasmodium parasite –carried by a mosquito bites a human. The parasites enter the bloodstream, travel to the liver, mature, and multiply.

After multiplication, they re-enter the bloodstream and infect red blood cells, causing fever, chills, headaches, and, in the most serious cases, organ failure or death.

The most common Plasmodium species that infect humans are:

• Plasmodium falciparum: The deadliest and most common species in Africa.
• Plasmodium vivax: Present in Asia and South America, capable of dormant liver stages.
• Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae: Although less common, yet important
• Plasmodium knowlesi: A zoonotic parasite of Southeast Asia.

The development of effective preventive strategies can break this cycle by preventing mosquito bites or stopping the parasite from multiplying in the body.

How to choose the right anti-malaria tablets?

Choosing the right anti-malaria tablets depends on several factors, such as:

Travel destination

Know your travel destination as some malaria strains are resistant to specific drugs. For example, due to chloroquine resistance, doxycycline, mefloquine, or atovaquone are recommended in South America and Africa.

So, consult your travel clinic, and the doctor will advise you about the best anti-malaria tablet according to your destination. 

Duration of travel

Choose anti-malaria tablets according to the duration of travel. For short trips, atovaquone is the best option while for long trips, doxycycline or mefloquine will be cost-effective. 

Personal health

Anti-malaria tablets are not suitable for people with underlying medical conditions such as mental health issues, allergic issues, seizures, kidney/liver disease, G6PD deficiency, heart problems, etc.

These tablets are also not best for breastfeeding or pregnant women. So, consult your doctor to evaluate the right fit for you. 

Convenience 

Choose anti-malaria tablets on the basis of your convenience, whether you want a once-weekly tablet (mefloquine) or once daily (atovaquone) tablet.

Similarly, some medications are expensive while some are affordable, so plan ahead according to this.

Side effects

Some anti-malaria tablets cause more side effects, while some offer mild effects. So before choosing any anti-malaria tablet, be aware of malaria pills' side effects. 

By considering these factors, you can make the right decision about which is the best anti-malaria tablet for your trip.

How to take malaria tablets?

You must take an anti-malaria tablet according to your doctor’s advice. Moreover:

Follow a dosage schedule carefully, as missing a dose can increase the risk of infection.

• ✅ Take anti-malaria tablets with water or food to avoid gastrointestinal side effects.
  
  
• ✅ Be aware of timing and take tablets at the same time each day or per week to maintain a consistent drug level in your system. 
  
  
• ✅ Use additional precautions while taking anti-malaria tablets such as long-sleeved clothing, mosquito nets, mosquito repellent, etc. for more effectiveness. 
  
  
• ✅ If you experience any side effects, consult your doctor. 
  
  
• ✅ Anti-malaria tablets may cause drowsiness or dizziness so while taking medications, avoid certain activities like driving or operating machinery, tools, etc. 
  
  
• ✅ Anti-malaria tablets can interact with other medications, supplements, or herbal products. So, before taking anti-malaria tablets, consult your doctor if you are taking any other medicine. 
  
  
• ✅ Taking an anti-malaria tablet correctly is essential to enhance anti-malaria tablet effectiveness and reduce the chances of infection or side effects. 

How long should you take anti-malaria tablets?

The dosage and treatment length of each anti-malaria tablet vary and depend on the medication prescription and the region’s malaria risk.

So, read the patient leaflet carefully before taking anti-malaria tablets and stick to the dosage and timing schedule. 

You must start the tablets before travel and continue taking it during your stay and after travel to ensure complete protection.

So, follow your healthcare professional’s instructions and guidelines to enhance anti-malaria tablet effectiveness and avoid the risk of malaria. 

Best malaria tablets for travel

Malaria parasites are continuously evolving and developing resistance to medications. So, no single medication is 100% effective and not suitable for everyone.

Each medication differs in duration, dosage, side effects, and tolerability. Let’s have a look at the antimalarial drugs list:

✅ Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone)

Atovaquone with Proguanil Tablets are a combination of two medications and are effective when doxycycline is not well-tolerated or suitable.

This medication is highly effective against the most dangerous strain of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum.

It is taken 1-2 days before travel, daily during stay, and 7 days after travel. Atovaquone/Proguanil is well-tolerated and the best malaria tablets with least side effects.

Limitations:

• Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, bearing a child less than 5 kg.
• Must not be used in people with severe renal impairment 
• It is slightly more expensive than other options 

✅ Doxycycline malaria tablets

Doxycycline is a widely used antibiotic, treating various infections, and is highly effective against malaria. It is taken 1-2 days before travel, daily during the stay, and 4 weeks after travel.

Doxycycline capsules are one of the most affordable and effective malaria prevention treatments for adults. They not only provide protection against the Plasmodium parasite but also help reduce the risk of other infections.

such as leptospirosis and rickettsial infections. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals planning to hike, swim, or camp in freshwater areas.

Limitations:

• Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Not best for children under 8 years

✅ Maloff Protect Tablets

Maloff Protect is an over-the-counter antimalarial medication used to prevent malaria in high-risk areas.

It combines proguanil hydrochloride and atovaquone to block parasite growth and kill malaria parasites. 

Maloff Protect tablets work by inhibiting vital compounds the parasite needs to multiply. For prevention, take it 1-2 days before travel, daily during the stay, and for 7 days after. 

It is not 100% effective and should be combined with other measures like insect repellents. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and diarrhea. Serious side effects include allergic reactions and skin issues. 

It’s not suitable for those with liver/kidney disease, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or children under 18. Store at room temperature and dispose of it safely after use. Visit our Maloff product page.

✅ Malarone 250mg/100mg Tablets

Malarone is a branded and widely used antimalarial in the UK. Malarone 250mg/100mg Tablets are used to prevent and treat malaria, particularly in areas with resistance to other drugs.

It combines atovaquone and proguanil to stop the malaria parasite from reproducing. For prevention, it should be taken daily starting 1-2 days before entering a malaria-prone area and continued for 7 days after leaving.

For treatment, adults take 4 tablets once a day for 3 days. Malarone is over 90% effective against P. falciparum and other malaria strains.

For more information on dosage, usage, and effectiveness, explore our detailed guide on Malarone malaria tablets.

Where to buy malaria tablets in UK

In the UK, you can buy anti-malaria tablets from local pharmacies, private clinics, NHS travel clinics, or online. For convenience, buy anti-malaria tablets online from Ashcroft Pharmacy.

Just fill out our consultation form and answer a few questions, and our pharmacist will evaluate the best and safest option for you.

Once approved, we will dispatch your order/desired medication to your doorstep via our fast, discreet delivery process.

Medically Reviewed by:

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/hcp/drug-malaria/index.html

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/malaria/

How do you get malaria — How does malaria spread?

Malaria is mainly spread by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes carrying the Plasmodium parasite, which is injected into the human bloodstream when the mosquito bites you.

Once in the bloodstream, the parasite travels to the liver, where it matures and infects red blood cells, causing malaria symptoms.

There are four main types of malaria parasites:

• ✅ P. falciparum: The most severe and deadly form, often leading to severe illness and even death if not treated promptly.
  
  
• ✅ P. vivax: A common but less deadly form.
  
  
• ✅ P. ovale: A rare and mild form.
  
  
• ✅ P. malariae: Usually causes mild illness.

 All types can lead to serious illness.

Malaria affects the blood and can also be contracted through anything that contaminates the blood, such as blood transfusions, organ transplants, or shared needles. These instances are extremely rare due to modern screening processes.

Malaria spreads when an infected mosquito bites a person, ingesting the Plasmodium parasite along with the blood. The parasite then multiplies inside the mosquito, moving to its salivary glands.

When the mosquito bites another person, it injects the parasites into their bloodstream. The parasites travel to the liver, mature, and reproduce, before re-entering the bloodstream to infect red blood cells.

In rare cases, malaria can also spread through blood transfusions, needle sharing, organ transplants, or from an infected mother to her unborn child before or during delivery.

By following preventive measures like using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and staying in screened or air-conditioned areas, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting malaria.

Treatment for malaria usually requires antimalarial medication. The choice of medication and its dosage is determined by the specific type of malaria and the patient's overall health.

It is crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosage and complete the full course of suggested medication, even if you start to feel better.

Here are some popular antimalarials tablets in UK available at Ashcroft Pharmacy.

✅ Atovaquone/Proguanil Tablets

From £23.99
Effective malaria prevention, perfect for travel to high-risk areas.
[More Info]

✅ Doxycycline Capsules - Malaria Prevention

From £16.99
Affordable and reliable, ideal for those planning outdoor activities in malaria-prone regions.
[More Info]

✅ Malarone - Anti-Malaria Tablets
From £23.99
Fast-acting and highly effective for malaria prevention and treatment.
[More Info]

✅ Maloff Protect Tablets
From £33.99
Comprehensive protection against malaria and other tropical infections.
[More Info]

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It remains a significant health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

The clinical presentation of malaria can differ based on the specific Plasmodium species involved, but common symptoms often include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sweating
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Cough
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart rate

In severe cases, malaria can cause seizures, coma, and even death. If you think you may have malaria, it is important to see a doctor right away.

Here are some of the emergency signs of severe malaria:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Bloody stools
• Severe anemia (low red blood cell count)

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.