Planning a trip to a tropical or subtropical region? If your destination includes countries in Africa, Asia, or South America, there’s a chance malaria could be a risk. Knowing which malaria tablets to take—and when to take them—is essential for staying safe while you’re away.
At Market Harborough Pharmacy, we provide personalised travel health advice and supply malaria tablets to suit your itinerary. In this guide, we’ll explain what malaria is, why prevention matters, and which tablets might be right for your trip.
What Is Malaria?
Malaria is a serious illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It can cause:
- — High fever
- — Chills and sweats
- — Headaches
- — Vomiting
- — Muscle pain
In severe cases, malaria can be life-threatening. There is no effective vaccine widely available for travellers, which is why malaria tablets remain the most reliable method of protection—along with mosquito bite prevention.
Who Needs Malaria Tablets?
You may need malaria tablets if you’re travelling to areas where malaria is present. Risk varies depending on:
- — The specific countries and regions you’re visiting
- — The time of year (rainy seasons often increase risk)
- — Length of stay and type of accommodation (e.g. rural vs urban)
- — Planned activities (such as camping or hiking in forested areas)
During your consultation at Market Harborough Pharmacy, we’ll assess your risk and recommend the most suitable antimalarial medication.
Which Malaria Tablets Are Available in the UK?
There are three main types of malaria tablets commonly prescribed for UK travellers:
1. Atovaquone/Proguanil (e.g. Malarone)
- — Taken once daily, starting 1–2 days before entering the risk area
- — Continue throughout the trip and for 7 days after leaving
- — Well-tolerated by most people with minimal side effects
- — Suitable for short trips and last-minute travel
- — Also available in paediatric doses for children
2. Doxycycline
- — Taken once daily, starting 1–2 days before entering the area
- — Continue for 4 weeks after returning
- — Effective and affordable, often used for long trips
- — Can cause increased sun sensitivity—extra care is needed with sun exposure
- — Not recommended for children under 12 or pregnant individuals
3. Mefloquine (Lariam)
- — Taken once weekly, starting 2–3 weeks before travel
- — Continue for 4 weeks after returning
- — Good option for longer trips if tolerated well
- — Can cause side effects such as vivid dreams or mood changes—not suitable for everyone
Choosing the right tablet depends on your destination, medical history, budget, and how long you’re travelling. Our pharmacists will help you weigh the pros and cons of each.
How Effective Are Malaria Tablets?
When taken correctly, malaria tablets are highly effective at preventing the disease. However, they’re not 100% foolproof. It’s important to combine them with other precautions, such as:
- — Using insect repellent with DEET
- — Wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evening
- — Sleeping under mosquito nets
- — Staying in air-conditioned or screened accommodation where possible
Together, these measures significantly reduce your risk of infection.
When Should I Start Taking Malaria Tablets?
This varies depending on the medication:
- — Atovaquone/proguanil: 1–2 days before travel
- — Doxycycline: 1–2 days before travel
- — Mefloquine: Ideally 2–3 weeks before travel (to monitor for side effects)
It’s important to finish the full course, including doses after your return, to ensure continued protection.
Can I Buy Malaria Tablets Over the Counter?
No—malaria tablets require a consultation with a pharmacist or prescriber. At Market Harborough Pharmacy, we offer same-day or next-day consultations, and once approved, you can collect your tablets from us directly—saving you time and hassle.
What Happens During a Travel Consultation?
During your visit to our Market Harborough travel clinic, we will:
- — Discuss your travel plans and destination(s)
- — Review your medical history and current medications
- — Recommend the most suitable malaria tablets
- — Advise on other required or recommended travel vaccines
- — Provide practical tips to stay healthy on your trip
We stock a full range of travel vaccinations and antimalarial medication so you can get everything sorted in one place.
Why Choose Market Harborough Pharmacy?
We make travel health simple. Our expert team offers:
- — Convenient appointments at a time that suits you
- — Personalised advice tailored to your itinerary
- — Access to all major malaria tablets and vaccines
- — Ongoing support if you have any questions before or after your trip
Whether you’re travelling for work, a honeymoon, or an adventure holiday, we’ll make sure you leave prepared and protected.
Book Your Travel Health Appointment Today
If you’re unsure which malaria tablets you need, don’t leave it to guesswork. Let Market Harborough Pharmacy help you stay safe abroad with trusted advice, professional care, and a hassle-free experience.
Contact us today or book an appointment with us below.
This blog was written on behalf of Market Harborough Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
