When Do I Take Malaria Tablets?

If you are taking malaria tablets for prophylactic reasons, the doctor will tell you how to use them. It varies depending on where you are going and what type of medication you are using. Below are some examples of when to take the medication but you should always follow what your doctor tells you and always complete your medication. You may have malaria and not notice so if you stop taking your treatment prematurely, you give the parasite a chance to cause infection.

If you have been prescribed Malarone, you will need to start taking the medication a couple of days before you travel. You will need to take one tablet per day every day. You will need to take the medication for the duration of your travels and for one week after you have returned. It is important that you take the full course of the medication and ask your doctor if you are unsure on any of the instructions.

If you are taking Doxycycline, you will need to start the medication two days before you travel, during your holiday and then for four weeks after you return. You must not stop the medication until you have completed the course. Each tablet contains 100mg of the drug and must be taken daily in order to be effective. Mefloquine is slightly different and must be taken one a week three weeks before you travel. You must take the tablets during your vacation and for four weeks after you have returned.

If you are taking any of the medication to treat malaria rather than prevent it, your dosage will depend on how severe your malaria is. Sometimes, the medication may need to be administered by IV. For instance, instead of taking one tablet a day, you may need to take four tablets a day. You may be admitted into hospital for treatment, depending on the severity of your condition. Usually this is the case.

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