Malaria Tablets For Your
Safari
If you are going on an African
safari, the chances are good that you will be in an area where malaria tablets
are going to be necessary.
There are a number of them available on the market but it's very important that you seek your
GP's advice in good time before deciding on one for your trip. The reason is that the tablets
effect everyone differently and your medical history may play a role in your
choice.
Make sure that you follow the
dosages and schedules exactly because if you don't you could experience side
effects and decrease the effectiveness of the malaria tablets which makes you
more susceptible to catching it.
The information here is meant to
inform you of the options available and not to serve as medical advice.
Types of Malaria Tablets
Available
Malarone®:
This is a combination of two
drugs (atovaquone and proguanil HCI) and only needs to be taken 2 days before travel to a malaria risk area.
The adult dosage is 1 tablet per day taken with food or milk and needs to be
continued for 7 days after leaving a malaria area. Believed to be about
98% effective.
It is a prescription medication.
The side effects are few - even for children - and rare
but some people develop abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and headache.
Doxycycline:
This tablet is also used as an
antibiotic under various brand names. The first dose needs to be taken 2 days before arrival in the
risk area.
The adult dosage is 100mg (1
tablet) per day taken with a full glass of water and needs to be continued for four weeks after leaving the
malaria area. Over 90% effective. Not recommended for children under the age of 8.
The most common reported side
effect is increased sun sensitivity so make sure you take all precautions to
avoid sunburn. Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble swallowing, or
vaginal yeast infection are some other possible side effects.
Lariam®(mefloquine hydrochloride):
| The
adult dose for this tablet is one tablet, once per week and the first dose needs
to be taken one week before arrival in the malaria area and then once a week on
the same day while in the malaria area. Continue for four weeks after leaving
the malaria area. Over 90% effective.
Should be taken on a full stomach after a meal and side effects
include headache, nausea, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, paranoia, vivid dreams and visual disturbances.
If you're worried about the side effects, it's a good idea to start taking the tablets more than a week prior to your safari to see if/how it will affect you. |
Warning:
Don't take Lariam® if you are planning to scuba dive during the time you are on malaria tablets.
You also shouldn't scuba dive for 3 weeks after you've stopped taking the tablets.
The side effects of Lariam® (mefloquine) can be dangerous for divers. Also, since the symptoms of DCI (decompression illness) is very similar, it can lead to mis-diagnosis. |
Paludrine® (proguanil) and Chloroquine:
These two drugs should be taken
in conjunction with each other but in Africa the malarial mosquito has built up
a resistance to these tablets so they are now less than 60% effective in most
parts of the continent. Not recommended for your safari.
Money saving tip: Ask your doctor or pharmacist for generic malaria tablets.
Malaria Prevention is
Better Than Cure
Anti malaria tablets reduce your risk
of infection with approximately 80% to 98% depending on your destination and
general health but no anti-malarial drug regime provides 100% protection even if used
strictly according to the guidelines.
So prevention of mosquito bites
is very important even if you are taking malaria tablets regularly.
Here are some effective
preventative measures...
Clothing:
Covering up any exposed skin is
the watchword here. Wear long trousers and long sleeve shirts with socks to
cover your ankles at dusk, during the night and also early mornings. Make it as
difficult as possible for the mosquitoes to bite you.
Mosquito Net
 :
If you are not staying in an air
conditioned or well screened room then sleeping under a mosquito net that covers
your bed is a very good idea. Make sure the net has been sprayed with the
insecticide permethrin which both repels and kills mosquitoes.
It's also a good idea to clear
your room of any mosquitoes that might be there before you go to sleep. You can
use
mosquito coils
 and/or a flying
insect spray.
Mosquito Repellent:
The best repellent protection is
provided by products that contain DEET. You need to re-apply after a certain
time period (check the product specifications) for it to remain effective.
Higher concentrations of DEET may last longer but anything over 50% provides no
added protection.
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