What should you know about malaria therapy?

The clinician considers the suspected or confirmed parasite, your symptoms, travel location, pregnancy status, age, other conditions and medicines. Some people can take tablets with close follow-up, while severe illness may require hospital treatment and medicine given through a vein.

Fever, chills and muscle aches may improve as treatment works, but feeling better is not a reason to stop early. Completing the prescribed course helps clear infection and supports safe follow-up.

Take each dose exactly as prescribed and tell the clinician about allergies, pregnancy, liver or kidney problems and all medicines or supplements. If vomiting prevents you keeping medicine down, contact the treating team promptly.

Keep the follow-up appointment or test recommended for your case. Do not share antimalarial medicine or use a traveller's leftover tablets for a new illness.

Seek urgent help for confusion, drowsiness that is difficult to interrupt, breathing difficulty, seizure, fainting, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or severe weakness. A fever that persists or returns during treatment also needs prompt medical review.

Ask what medicine you are taking, how to manage a missed or vomited dose, which interactions matter and when you should be rechecked. For future travel, ask about malaria prophylaxis and a travel health consultation.