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MALARIA
Malaria is caused by a protozoa which infects the liver and then spreads to
the red blood cells. It is spread by the anopheles mosquito which is mainly
around between dusk and dawn in rural areas.
Malaria occurs throughout most of Asia, the Pacific, Africa, the Middle East,
& Central & South America. Some strains of malaria are now resistant
to drugs previously used for prevention & treatment.
Malaria causes fever, chills, malaise & headache. Abdominal pain,
diarrhoea & jaundice may also occur.
Antimalaria drugs do not provide absolute protection so it is very
important to avoid mosquito bites.
ANTIMALARIA TABLETS: (Adults)
CHLOROQUINE: Take 2 tablets on the same day once a week
with food. Start 2 weeks before entering risk area and continue for 4 weeks
after leaving the area. Tell the doctor if you have psoriasis.
LARIAM: Take 1 tablet once a week. Start 1 week before
entering risk area and continue for 4 weeks after leaving the area. Not to be
taken with chloroquine or if scuba diving. It can interact with some cardiac
drugs. It occasionally causes dizziness. Don't get pregnant for 3 months after
taking it.
DOXYCYCLINE: Take 1 tablet each day with food (not last
thing at night). Start 1 day before entering risk area and continue for 2-4
weeks after leaving the area. A small number of people get a rash when exposed
to the sun while taking doxycycline, so wear a hat, shirt, and blockout when in
the sun. It can interfere with the pill so use condoms as well for the first 4
weeks.
PROGUANIL: Take two tablets each day. Start 1 day before
entering risk area and continue until 4 weeks after leaving the area. Taken with
weekly chloroquine.
MALARONE: Take 1 tablet each day from 2 days before entering the
risk area until 7 days after leaving the area. |
