Malaria Tablets: Everything You Need to Know Before You TravelWhen planning a trip to certain parts of the world, protecting yourself from malaria is essential. Malaria is a serious, sometimes life-threatening disease transmitted by infected mosquito bites. While preventing mosquito bites is important, one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk is by taking malaria tablets before, during, and after your travels.
At Birmingham Travel Clinics, we provide expert travel health advice and supply a range of antimalarial medications to keep you safe abroad. Let’s explore what malaria is, where it’s most common, the types of malaria tablets available, and how we can help you choose the right protection for your trip.
What Is Malaria?
Malaria is a parasitic infection caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. It can develop quickly and lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.
Common symptoms of malaria include:
Fever and chills
Headaches and muscle pain
Fatigue and weakness
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
Sweating episodes and shivering
In severe cases, malaria can affect vital organs and become life-threatening. That’s why prevention is vital when travelling to high-risk areas.
High Risk Areas
Malaria occurs in many tropical and subtropical regions, particularly where sanitation and mosquito control are limited. Higher-risk areas include:
Sub-Saharan Africa
South and Southeast Asia
Central and South America
Parts of the Middle East
Some Pacific islands
If you’re unsure whether your destination is a malaria risk zone, our specialists at Birmingham Travel Clinics can assess your travel plans and advise you on the best course of protection.
Why Malaria Tablets Are Important
Unlike many other travel-related illnesses, there’s currently no fully effective vaccine against malaria available for most travellers. Malaria tablets, also known as antimalarial medication, work by preventing the malaria parasite from developing in your body if you’re bitten by an infected mosquito.
Taking the right medication is essential because:
Malaria can become serious very quickly
Some forms of malaria are resistant to certain treatments
Antimalarial tablets can reduce your risk of infection significantly when used correctly
At Birmingham Travel Clinics, we provide personalised advice to ensure you receive the most suitable malaria tablets based on your destination, health needs, and travel plans.
Types of Malaria Tablets
There are several different types of malaria tablets, each with its own dosing schedule, benefits, and potential side effects. We offer a range of options, including:
Atovaquone/Proguanil (e.g. Malarone)
How it works: Stops the malaria parasite from multiplying in your body.
How to take it: Once daily, starting 1–2 days before travel, during your trip, and for 7 days after leaving the malaria area.
Advantages: Well-tolerated, minimal side effects, and ideal for last-minute trips due to its quick start time.
Considerations: Generally more expensive than some alternatives; not suitable for everyone.
Doxycycline
How it works: An antibiotic that prevents the malaria parasite from developing.
How to take it: Once daily, starting 1–2 days before travel, during your trip, and for 28 days after leaving the malaria area.
Advantages: Cost-effective, widely available, and suitable for last-minute travellers.
Considerations: Can cause sun sensitivity, so sunscreen is recommended; not suitable for pregnant women or children under 12.
Mefloquine (e.g. Lariam)
How it works: Kills malaria parasites in the blood.
How to take it: Taken once weekly, starting 2–3 weeks before travel, during your trip, and for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria area.
Advantages: Convenient weekly dosing and effective in many regions.
Considerations: Not suitable for everyone due to potential side effects, including sleep disturbances and mood changes.
Our team will help you choose the most appropriate malaria tablets based on your personal health, destination, and trip duration.
How to Take Malaria Tablets Effectively
To get the best protection, it’s important to follow the correct instructions for your chosen medication:
Start on time – Begin taking the tablets at least 1–2 days before travelling unless advised otherwise.
Be consistent – Take your dose at the same time each day (or weekly if using mefloquine).
Continue after your trip – Don’t stop early, as malaria parasites can still develop after leaving a risk zone.
Take with food or milk – This can help reduce nausea and improve absorption for many medications.
Our clinicians at Birmingham Travel Clinics will provide full instructions tailored to your prescribed medication.
Additional Malaria Prevention Tips
Malaria tablets work best when combined with measures to prevent mosquito bites:
Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin
Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings
Sleep under a mosquito net, ideally treated with insecticide
Keep windows and doors closed or screened
Avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
By combining these precautions with the right malaria tablets, you give yourself the best protection possible.
Why Choose Birmingham Travel Clinics
At Birmingham Travel Clinics, we provide more than just malaria tablets. Our comprehensive travel health services include:
Expert consultations based on your travel plans and medical history
Supply of antimalarial medications such as atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, and mefloquine
A full range of travel vaccinations, including typhoid, hepatitis A, yellow fever, and more
Personalised advice on reducing your risk of insect-borne diseases
Support with preparing a travel first aid kit
Whether your trip is for business, adventure, or leisure, we’ll ensure you leave fully prepared and protected.
Stay Protected Before You Travel
Malaria is a serious illness, but with the right protection, it’s highly preventable. At Birmingham Travel Clinics, we’ll help you choose the best malaria tablets for your destination and provide tailored advice on staying safe while abroad.
Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthy, worry-free trip.