Malaria Tablets - Herbal or from the doctor? ?

Question

i've heard that the normal maleria tablets can make you sick - can anyone advise what to do?!

Answer 1

Herbal malaria preparations do not work.  Please speak with your doctor about an approved antimalarial.  There are several to choose from:  chloroquine- ONLY if you are going into an area with chloroquine sensitive malaria. Fairly cheap, once a week and minimal side effects.  I have taken it myself.   In areas with chloroquine-resistant malaria (most areas), Malarone- very few side effects, but must be taken daily and is quite expensive.  Good for short trips though, only needs to be continued for a week after return; mefloquine (Lariam)- weekly, cheaper than Malarone, usually tolerated ok but rarely has bad side effects.  Some people cannot take it (people with history of seizures, psychiatric disorders).  Also because of this and because it may interfere with visuospatial skills, people like pilots and air traffic controllers cannot take it.  The side effects usually start within 2-3 weeks so if there is time I like to start it 3 weeks ahead of travel in case there is a problem.  Doxycycline- daily treatment, very cheap, but can have GI side effects, yeast infections.  All are equally effective; it just depends on destination, how much you want to spend, side effects, and length of stay.

Don't forget the insect repellent and bed nets.

Answer 2

On no account try and replace conventional anti-malarials with herbal rubbish. I accept I tend to reject alternative therapies, but there is no question of a doubt that you must not do this here, the consequences are potentially FATAL, should you catch malaria and this sort of alternative rubbish offers no protection at all!

What you need to take varies according to the area you are travelling to and the degree of risk. For example some countries have malarial risk, but it is almost non-existant if you stick to the cities. There is also often a choice of antimalarials so that, with advice, you can balance side effects with risk.

Answer 3

Do not use so-called herbal malaria tablets, they simply do not work. I worked in Africa, have treated many patients with malaria and I can assure you that malaria is a disease you do not want.  Modern prescription malaria tablets are very effective and side-effects are minimal.  However, they do not offer 100% protection and as well as taking appropriate tablets for the area you are visiting (be advised by your GP or local travel clinic), the best prevention strategy is to avoid bites by sleeping under permethrin-treated mosquito nets, frequently applying DEET spray to clothes and exposed skin and using a knockdown spray in your room before you go to bed.  Good luck.

Answer 4

I found the side effects I experienced (nausea) could be eliminated by taking the tablets last thing before bed.  

Answer 5

There are many types of malaria tablets. I've taken malarone twice and never had a problem. I would recommend these (esp if you are on the pill) , but your doctor will be able to advise you best. Also you have to take them about a week in advance so dont leave it too long!