|
Basic guide - appropriateness of various malaria prophylaxis |
|
|
|
|
Written by Administrator
|
This is a basic guide to the appropriateness of various malaria prophylaxis, including contra-indications and cautions.
| Name of Drug & adult dosage | How to take | Contra-indications | Cautions | MALARONE (250 mgs atovoquone + 100mgs Proguanil) | One tablet daily, starting 24-48 hours before arrival in risk area, daily whilst there and for 7 days after leaving risk area | Pregnancy
Children less than 11 kg weight | For children weighing between 11- 40 kg
Paediatric Malarone (i.e. lower dose tablets) should be prescribed according to exact weight. See BNF for guidance | MEFLOQUINE (LARIAM) (250 mgs tablets) | One tablet weekly, starting 2.5 - 3 weeks before travel, once weekly whilst there and for 4 weeks after leaving risk area. (Start 3 weeks before departure if taking for first time.)
If Mefloquine previously taken with- out side effects, 2 doses 1 week apart prior to departure is adequate | During first 3 months of pregnancy ( unless expert opinion says otherwise)
Any history of Neuro-psychiatric disorder (including depression) or convulsions.
Family history of epilepsy
Breast feeding
Children less than 6 kg | 75% of adverse reactions to this drug are apparent by 3 rd dose, so therefore should start taking 3 weeks before departure, especially on first occasion, to establish tolerance and allow time to change to another option before leaving UK, in event of encountering adverse reactions | DOXYCYCLINE (100 mgs capsules) | One tablet daily starting 48-72 hrs before departure,daily whilst away and for 4 weeks after leaving risk area | Pregnancy
Children under 12 years
Breast feeding | May cause photo-sensitivity (3% of people)
Acid reflux problems
Interaction with combined oral contraceptive pill | |
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 17 August 2007 )
|
