When planning a trip to a region where malaria is prevalent, taking preventative medication is a crucial step in safeguarding your health. Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. While malaria tablets are highly effective in preventing infection, they can come with side effects that vary depending on the type of medication and your individual response.

This guide will walk you through the most commonly prescribed malaria tablets, their possible side effects, and how to manage them, allowing you to travel safely and with confidence.

Why Malaria Prevention Matters

Malaria affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide each year and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms can include high fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and fatigue. In severe cases, malaria can lead to organ failure, seizures, or death.

Fortunately, the risk can be significantly reduced with antimalarial tablets and preventive measures such as mosquito nets, repellents, and appropriate clothing. But not all malaria tablets are the same, and understanding their side effects can help you make the right choice for your trip.

Commonly Used Malaria Tablets and Their Side Effects

Here are the most commonly prescribed antimalarials in the UK, along with the side effects you should be aware of.

1. Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil)

Usage: One tablet daily, starting 1–2 days before travel, continued during the stay, and for 7 days after leaving the malaria area.

Common side effects: Nausea, headache, stomach pain, diarrhoea, vivid or unusual dreams.

Less common: Mouth ulcers, skin rash, liver enzyme changes.

What to know: Malarone is generally well tolerated and is a popular choice for short trips. Taking the tablet with food or milk can help reduce stomach discomfort. Vivid dreams are a known side effect but are usually not severe enough to stop treatment.

2. Doxycycline

Usage: One capsule daily, starting 1–2 days before travel, continued during the stay, and for 4 weeks after leaving the area.

Common side effects: Increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity), nausea or vomiting, heartburn or indigestion, yeast infections (thrush) in women.

Less common: Difficulty swallowing, tooth discolouration (mainly in long-term use).

What to know: Doxycycline is often used for longer trips due to its affordability. However, it must be taken with a full glass of water and not just before lying down, as it can cause irritation of the oesophagus. Travellers should use high-SPF sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure.

3. Lariam (Mefloquine)

Usage: One tablet weekly, starting 2–3 weeks before travel, continued during the stay, and for 4 weeks after leaving.

Common side effects: Dizziness, nausea, sleep disturbances or vivid dreams.

Serious but rare: Mood changes, anxiety, depression, hallucinations.

What to know: Lariam is taken weekly and is effective for long-term travel. However, it’s not suitable for individuals with a history of mental health issues due to the potential for psychological side effects. Because these effects can appear even after a few doses, it’s important to start the medication well before travelling and report any concerning symptoms to a healthcare provider immediately.

Choosing the Right Malaria Tablets for You

Several factors influence which malaria tablet is suitable for you:

• Your destination: Some medications are more effective in certain regions due to drug resistance patterns.

• Your medical history: Past illnesses, allergies, and mental health status can affect the safety of certain tablets.

• Length of stay: Some medications are better suited to short trips, others to longer stays.

• Budget: Cost can vary, especially if you’re purchasing for a long trip.

A travel health consultation is essential to determine the best option. Your pharmacist or GP can help assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate medication.

Managing Side Effects While Travelling

If you do experience side effects, they’re often mild and short-lived. Here are tips to reduce discomfort:

• –> Take tablets with food to minimise nausea.

• –> Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support digestion.

• –> Avoid alcohol when possible, especially if you’re experiencing dizziness or stomach upset.

• –> Protect your skin with high-factor sunscreen if you’re taking doxycycline.

• –> Keep a journal of any symptoms that emerge so you can report them if needed.

If side effects become severe or interfere with your trip, seek local medical advice or contact your healthcare provider back home. In rare cases, a switch to a different medication may be necessary.

Other Malaria Prevention Tips

In addition to taking malaria tablets, follow these preventive measures:

• –> Use insect repellent containing at least 20–30% DEET.

• –> Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers, especially during dusk and dawn.

• –> Sleep under a mosquito net treated with insecticide.

• –> Stay in well-screened or air-conditioned rooms whenever possible.

These steps reduce your overall risk and support the effectiveness of your antimalarial medication, allowing you to enjoy your holiday with greater peace of mind and protection.

Where to Get Malaria Tablets

You can obtain malaria tablets through:

• –> Your GP

• –> Travel clinics

• –> Community pharmacies, like Townhead Pharmacy

At Townhead Pharmacy, we offer travel health consultations, guidance on malaria prevention, and convenient access to the right antimalarial medication for your destination. Our team ensures you understand how to take your tablets and how to manage any potential side effects.

Book Your Consultation Today 

Understanding malaria tablets side effects can help you feel more prepared and confident when travelling to high-risk areas. Though side effects can occur, they are often manageable and outweighed by the importance of preventing malaria. Speak to your pharmacist well in advance of your trip to get personalised advice and the protection you need.

Are you considering malaria tablets for your next trip? Then book with us today for a consultation, or get in touch with our friendly team if you’ve got any other questions.

This blog was written on behalf of Townhead Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.