Malaria chemoprophylaxis drugs

These medicines lower the chance that malaria parasites establish or multiply after exposure, but they do not make mosquito bites harmless and they do not replace bite prevention. Choice depends on the destination's parasite patterns, the length and style of travel, pregnancy or breastfeeding, age, kidney or liver problems, mental-health history, and other medicines.

Possible adverse effects vary by medicine. A clinician or pharmacist can explain what to expect and how to take the tablets. Fever, [Chills](/symptoms/chills/), or [Muscle Aches](/symptoms/muscle-aches/) after travel still need assessment, even when tablets were taken.

Arrange a [Travel Health Consultation](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/travel-health-consultation/) early enough to discuss the itinerary and begin the chosen schedule. Take the medicine exactly as prescribed, keep it with you, and ask what to do after vomiting or a missed dose. Use repellent, covered clothing, screens, and nets where appropriate.

If fever develops during travel or after returning, seek medical advice promptly and mention the medicine, travel dates, and countries visited. A [Blood Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/blood-test/) may be needed.

Obtain urgent help for fever with confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, seizures, or repeated vomiting. Contact a clinician promptly for fever after travel to a malaria-risk area, because preventive medicine reduces risk but cannot explain away new symptoms.

Ask which [Malaria Prophylaxis](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/malaria-prophylaxis/) fits your destination, when the schedule begins and ends, which side effects need attention, and whether your regular medicines affect the choice.