Best Anti-Malaria Tablets for UK Travellers
When travelling to malaria-risk regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia, or South America, taking anti-malarial tablets is essential. In the UK, several effective options are available via prescription, and selecting the right one depends on your travel destination, duration of stay, personal health history, and medication tolerance.
This guide will walk you through the most commonly prescribed anti-malaria tablets in the UK, including their benefits, side effects, and recommended use cases.
✩ Commonly Prescribed Anti-Malaria Tablets in the UK
1. Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone)
Brand names: Malarone (GSK), generic atovaquone/proguanil
- Dose: Once daily
- Start: 1-2 days before entering the malaria area
- Continue: Daily during travel and 7 days after leaving the area
Pros:
- Well tolerated
- Short post-travel course
- Suitable for last-minute travel
Cons:
- Expensive (especially branded Malarone)
- Not suitable for people with severe kidney issues
Side effects:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
Recommended for:
- Most regions including sub-Saharan Africa and Asia
- Short trips
2. Doxycycline
- Dose: Once daily
- Start: 1-2 days before travel
- Continue: During travel and 28 days after leaving
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Also protects against other infections (e.g., traveller’s diarrhoea, leptospirosis)
Cons:
- Can cause sun sensitivity
- Long post-travel dosing (4 weeks)
Side effects:
- Heartburn
- Sunburn risk
- Yeast infections in women
Not suitable for:
- Pregnant women
- Children under 12
Recommended for:
- Extended travel
- Regions with doxycycline sensitivity of malaria strains
3. Mefloquine (Lariam)
- Dose: Once weekly
- Start: 2-3 weeks before travel
- Continue: Weekly during travel and 4 weeks after
Pros:
- Weekly dose
- Good for long trips
Cons:
- Potential neuropsychiatric side effects (vivid dreams, anxiety, depression)
Side effects:
- Dizziness
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes
Not suitable for:
- People with a history of mental health disorders
Recommended for:
- Travellers who prefer a weekly tablet
- Areas with Mefloquine-sensitive strains
✩ How to Choose the Right Anti-Malaria Tablet
Choosing the right medication depends on several key factors:
- Destination: Some malaria strains are resistant to certain drugs (e.g., chloroquine resistance in Africa).
- Trip Duration: Malarone may be better for short trips, while Doxycycline or Mefloquine may suit longer stays.
- Personal Health: Your age, medical history, and allergies will influence your choices.
- Cost: Generic options are cheaper but may not be available everywhere.
Helpful tip: Always consult with a travel health specialist before starting any anti-malarial medication.
✩ Cost and Availability in the UK
- NHS: Anti-malarial tablets are not usually available free on the NHS for travel
- Private Clinics: Medcare health clinic and pharmacy offers Malaria and travel vaciines at Medcares Preston Travel Clinic in clinic or Online. Medcare provides prescriptions and offers tablets on-site.
- Online Pharmacies: Some regulated UK websites allow for online consultations and delivery of malaria tablets.
Example pricing:
- Malarone: £30 >for a 2-week trip
- Doxycycline: £11.99 >
- Mefloquine: £5.09 >
✩ Recommendations by Travel Destination
| Destination | Recommended Tablet |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | Malarone, Doxycycline |
| South America | Malarone |
| Southeast Asia | Doxycycline, Malarone |
| Indian Subcontinent | Doxycycline |
| West Africa | Malarone |
Check the NHS Fit for Travel website or speak to a healthcare provider for up-to-date guidance by region:
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/
✩ Final Thoughts & FAQs
Anti-malaria tablets are a proven way to protect against a life-threatening disease while travelling abroad. The right choice varies from person to person, so get individualised advice before your trip.
FAQs:
- Can I buy malaria tablets over the counter? No, a prescription is required.
- How early should I start medication? At least 1-2 weeks before travel.
- Can I take anti-malaria tablets during pregnancy? Malarone may be used with caution; always Health care Professional.
For private prescriptions, online consultations, or to speak to a pharmacist prescriber, visit MedCare Health Clinic & Pharmacy.