Malaria Prevention
Malaria tablets used as prophylaxis can reduce the risk of malaria when travelling to areas where the disease occurs. The most suitable medicine depends on factors such as the destination, length of travel, age, pregnancy, other medication and individual risk factors.
Important to Remember
Malaria tablets do not provide complete protection!
They must therefore always be combined with protection against mosquito bites. If you develop a fever during or after a stay in a malaria area, seek medical attention immediately and tell the healthcare professional that you have been in an area where malaria occurs.
When Are Malaria Tablets Needed?
The need for malaria prophylaxis varies between countries and sometimes between different parts of the same country. The risk is also influenced by the length of your stay, the type of accommodation, whether you will be staying in urban or rural areas, the season and the type of travel.
Your doctor or vaccination clinic will assess whether malaria tablets are recommended and which medicine is most suitable for your particular journey.
Different Advice Can Be Equally Appropriate
You may meet other travellers who have been prescribed a different malaria medicine from yours. This does not necessarily mean that anyone has received incorrect advice. Different medicines may be equally suitable depending on the destination, medical circumstances and the nature of the trip.
The important thing is to take the tablets as prescribed and not to stop treatment on your own.
Common Types of Malaria Prophylaxis
Several different medicines can be used to prevent malaria. The following is an overview. Details regarding dosage, when treatment should be started and stopped, and possible side effects should always follow the prescription and the current patient information leaflet.
Atovaquone-Proguanil
Atovaquone-proguanil, for example Malarone or Malastad, is usually taken once daily. Treatment is normally started 1–2 days before entering the malaria area, continued throughout the stay and for 7 days after leaving the area.
It is often a practical option for shorter trips and is generally well tolerated, although side effects such as stomach upset, headache or nausea can occur.
The tablets should be taken with food to improve absorption.
Doxycycline
Doxycycline is taken once daily and is used as malaria prophylaxis in certain areas. Treatment is normally started 1–2 days before entering the malaria area, continued throughout the stay and for 4 weeks after leaving the area.
Common disadvantages include stomach upset and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Good sun protection is therefore particularly important during treatment. Doxycycline is not used during pregnancy and is generally not recommended for children under 8 years of age.
Mefloquine
Mefloquine, for example Lariam, is usually taken once a week. It may be an option for certain travellers and destinations, but requires individual assessment.
Treatment is normally started at least 2 weeks before entering the malaria area. This also allows time for any side effects to become apparent before travel.
Mefloquine can cause psychiatric or neurological side effects, such as anxiety, low mood, dizziness or sleep disturbance, and is not suitable for everyone. It should, among other things, be avoided in people with certain psychiatric conditions and in those with epilepsy or a history of seizures. Contact a doctor if you develop unexpected symptoms.
Take the Tablets Correctly
Malaria tablets should be taken exactly as prescribed. Some medicines are taken daily, while others are taken once a week. Some should be taken with food and water to reduce stomach upset and improve absorption.
If you vomit shortly after taking a tablet, its effectiveness may be reduced. Follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet or contact a doctor, pharmacist or vaccination clinic for advice.
Store Medicines Safely
Always keep malaria tablets out of the reach of children. Consider carrying the medicines in your hand luggage while travelling and store them in a dry place according to the instructions on the packaging.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Other Medicines
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a chronic medical condition or take regular medication, individual medical advice is needed before choosing malaria prophylaxis. Some medicines should be avoided or require special consideration.
Always tell your doctor which medicines and supplements you use. In particular, certain anti-epileptic medicines, anticoagulants and other medicines may affect the choice of malaria prophylaxis or require special assessment.
Side Effects
All medicines can cause side effects, but many travellers tolerate malaria prophylaxis well. Common problems can include nausea, loose stools, headache or stomach pain.
Contact a doctor if you develop severe, unusual or concerning symptoms. Do not stop prophylaxis without medical advice if you are still in a malaria area.
Fever Despite Taking Malaria Tablets
Malaria can occur even in people who have taken malaria tablets. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop fever, chills, flu-like symptoms or unexplained illness during or after travel in a malaria area.
In some cases, malaria can develop a long time after travel. Always tell the healthcare professional that you have been in a malaria area and whether you have taken malaria prophylaxis.
Remember
Malaria tablets are an important additional measure, but they never replace protection against mosquito bites. The combination of the right medicine, consistent mosquito protection and prompt medical attention if fever develops provides the best protection.
Senast uppdaterad 2026-09-06