There are several drugs on the market that help to prevent malaria. The following antimalarial drugs are good options for malaria prevention in Africa. They include atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline or mefloquine. These drugs provide similar effects for malaria prevention. Talk with your doctor to select the drug that is right for you.
Those taking doxycycline prophylaxis should begin the first dose one to two days before travel to malarious areas. It should be continued once a day, at the same time each day, during travel in malarious areas and daily for four weeks after the traveler leaves the areas where malaria is present. While taking this drug, you may be more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to wear sunscreen. The drug should be taken with food as it can cause inflammation to the esophagus.
Travelers who take mefloquine prophylaxis should begin at least two weeks before travel to malarious areas. It should be continued once a week, on the same day of the week, during travel in malarious areas, and for four weeks after leaving the area where malaria is present. The drug may cause mild symptoms including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia and nightmares.
Malarone (atovaquone and proguanil HCl) can be used both to treat and to prevent malaria. The adult dose is one tablet daily starting one or two days before traveling into a malaria-endemic area and continuing throughout the stay and then for another seven days after returning from the malarious area.
Side effects, which are typically mild, may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea or dizziness. Serious adverse reactions are rare.
To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least four to six weeks before your trip to start taking medicine to prevent malaria if you need it. Even if it is less than four weeks before you leave, it's not too late and you should still see a health-care provider for antimalaria drugs and information about how to protect yourself from this illness.
Malaria transmission primarily occurs between dusk and dawn. Stay in well-screened areas, use mosquito bed nets and wear clothes that cover most of your body. Also, travelers should use effective mosquito repellent. You should look for repellents that contain DEET. This ingredient is most effective in combating mosquitos. Do the research and talk with your doctor. There are multiple ways to prevent malaria. Most importantly, enjoy your travels!
