6 Effective Malaria Medications: Choosing the Right Treatment

To cure Malaria, you can take medication. You may also utilize medication to reduce your risk of contracting the illness. High fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms are signs of a dangerous illness, which can be fatal if not treated soon. When you go to other regions of the world, particularly those with warmer, tropical temperatures, you might contract to the condition. Prophylactic medicine refers to the use of medication to stave off illness. You are taking medication to maintain your lack of the condition. However, taking Malaria Medications may not always prevent the illness. The tablets should be used with other preventive measures, including wearing long sleeves, insect repellent, and a net or other bed treatment to cover your sleeping area. In this article, we will look into the medications for Malaria, its symptoms, and how they work, so continue reading to know more.

Also Read: Deadly Malaria: Treatment & Complications

What Are The Anti Malaria Medications?

Most likely, your doctor will select pills for travel accepted in the region that you are traveling.

1. Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone)

There are many prevention medications. First, you should begin taking atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) daily one to two days before your vacation and continue doing so for a week following it. Although this medication's side effects are less frequent than other medications, pregnant women and those with renal issues shouldn't use it. Additionally, atovaquone-proguanil is more expensive than some other medications.

2. Chloroquine

This medication is taken once weekly, beginning one to two weeks before the trip and continuing for four weeks following it. However, because P. falciparum, the most prevalent and lethal variety, is no longer prone to chloroquine, it is no longer widely utilized. If you're traveling to regions where illness that isn't P. falciparum-related is prevalent, your doctor could advise it.

Also Read: Cerebral Malaria: Stay Cautious!

3. Doxycycline

The most economical medication for malaria is often this once-a-day tablet. You begin taking it one to two days before your vacation and keep taking it for the following four weeks. An upset stomach, adverse sun responses, and yeast infections are just a few of the side effects if you're a woman. Children under eight and pregnant women shouldn't use this medication.

4. Mefloquine

This weekly medication should be started two weeks before travel and continued for four weeks following arrival. Women who are expecting can use it, but those with a history of seizures, serious heart issues, or mental health issues shouldn't. Dizziness, sleep disturbances, and mental disorders are possible side effects.

5. Primaquine

This weekly medication is taken one to two days before departure and continues for one week. Stomach upset is also a side effect. Expectant mothers shouldn't use primaquine. People who suffer from a disorder called G6PD deficiency, in which specific medications cause red blood cells to degrade, shouldn't either.

6. Tafenoquine (Arakoda, Kozenis, Krintafel)

Adults 16 years or older traveling to dangerous regions are advised to take the brand-name medication tafenoquine (Arakoda, Kozenis, Krintafel). It must be taken every day for three days before traveling, once a week while there, and then again seven days after leaving the area. In people, tafenoquine can be given to prevent recurrence.  The medication has been known to cause gastrointestinal distress. Pregnant women, people under 16, those with G6PD deficiencies, and pregnant women should not use it.

Also Read: Health Concerns: A Guide for Asia-Bound Expats

How Do The Medications Work?

You'll be instructed to take the medications before, during, and any time between one and four weeks after visiting a region where it is common. This is because the disease-causing parasites can remain in your body long after being bitten. The medications eliminate parasites in the liver or red blood cells while they are still under control. Even if you've taken the Malaria medication, you still risk getting it. However, taking them reduces your risk of being ill by roughly 90%. There is no vaccine; the medications are not a vaccine.

Also Read: Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch?

What If You Still Get Malaria?

Get assistance right once if you are experiencing malaria symptoms. Before it worsens, it's critical to begin therapy as soon as possible. Your doctor will attempt to determine the type of infection that you have to choose the appropriate medication to take. This is crucial since certain parasites have developed medication resistance. To prevent this drug resistance issue, your doctor could recommend a combination of treatments. The kind of medication that is provided to you will depend on several factors, such as:

• Types of strain.
• Age.
• Your state of health.
• Any antimalarial medication used.
• Pregnant.

Also Read: Kala Azar Symptoms, 5 Risk Factors & Prevention | Leishmaniasis

How To Choose The Right Malaria Treatment?

Apart from Malaria Medications, you must seek a doctor's consultation for the best possible treatment. Choosing the best anti-malaria medication requires considering several factors. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Consult a healthcare professional: You should Seek guidance from a healthcare provider experienced in treating Malaria. They will consider factors such as your medical history, the type of strain in your area, and any potential drug resistance patterns.

• Identify the strain: Different strains may require specific medications for effective treatment. Knowing the prevalent strain in your area helps determine the appropriate medication.

• Consider your health condition: Your overall health and any existing medical conditions should be considered. Certain medications may have contraindications or interactions with other medications you are currently taking.

• Antimalarial drug resistance: Be aware of drug resistance patterns in the region where you will be traveling or residing. Some parasites have developed resistance to certain drugs. It is essential to choose effective medications against the prevalent strain in that area.

• Follow national or international guidelines: Consult national or international guidelines, such as those provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), for recommended treatment options. These guidelines consider the most current evidence and expert consensus.

• Consider the medication's safety and side effects: Evaluate the safety profile and potential side effects. Discuss any concerns or allergies with your healthcare provider to ensure the treatment suits you.

• Availability and administration: Consider the availability and accessibility of the chosen medication at your destination. Some anti malarial medications may require specific administration instructions, such as dosing frequency or whether they should be taken with food.

How Can You Prevent Malaria?

• Avoid mosquito bites if you reside in or visit a region where it is prevalent. Most mosquito biting happens between the dark and sunrise. To avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, you need
• Cover your skin. Put on long sleeves and trousers. Put your shirt in the sleeve and your pant legs in the socks.
• Use skin repellent to prevent insects. If you need to protect yourself from mosquito bites, use insect repellent approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Insect repellents, including DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), and 2-undecanoate are a few of these. Avoid using a spray on your face. Children under three should not use products containing p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or lemon eucalyptus (OLE) oil.

• Spray garments with repellant. The application of permethrin-containing sprays to garments is secure.

• Go to bed with a net. The use of bed nets, especially those coated with insecticides like permethrin, can help you avoid being bitten by mosquitoes while you sleep.

Also Read: Treatment for Spider Bites- What You Need to Know

What Is The Revised Malaria Prophylaxis Medication?

According to NCIB, Primaquine is the only drug that is actively given to the patient. It shows effective results against vivax. On the other hand, Atovaquone-proguanil does not prevent vivax infection from the body.

A study showed 82% and 100% of Indonesia and Columbia respectively showed better results against the disease. This prophylaxis has shown better results in Indonesian travelers by primary attacks. Additionally, long-term patients showed a high efficacy rate in preventing relapse of the symptoms.

What Are The Malaria Medication Side Effects?

There are some side effects of using medications that you should know are mentioned in the list.

1. Anxiety
2. Bleeding gums
3. Blistering
4. Blood in the urine
5. Blurred Vision
6. Change in vision
7. Chest Discomfort
8. Chills
9. Cold Sweats
10. Confusion
11. Cough
12. Dark urine
13. Difficulty speaking
14. Nausea
15. Vomiting
16. Drowsiness
17. Dry Mouth

Can I Take Alcohol While On Malaria Medication?

Experts say it is not a good idea to take alcohol because it can show adverse reactions. It slows down the mechanism of medications. The other things that you should avoid are caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee, cola, coca, and many more.

If you are searching for the duration of time that you can consume alcohol after taking pills. You can consume it after 48-72 hours of taking the drug. This is to avoid complications and side effects of pills.

How Much Does Malaria Medication Cost?

In the USA, Malarone is around $183 for 24 tablets and it may vary to place and depend upon the pharmacist and discounts.

In the UK, you will get £46.90 for 16 tablets.

The online pharmacy stores will provide a minimal - moderate amount of price for the best anti-malaria medication.

Conclusion

While it is a deadly infection, there are things you can do to avoid it. Using preventative drugs and taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites can reduce your chance of contracting an illness. Consult your doctor many weeks before your trip if you're going somewhere where it is a widespread problem. If you're pregnant, this is very crucial. Tablets are essential for treating and preventing the spread of the disease, playing a vital role in reducing illness and mortality rates. However, No antimalarial medication is 100% effective; thus, it must be used with other personal protective measures, such as an insecticide-treated bednet, long sleeves and long trousers, and insect repellent. Consider the likelihood of drug interactions with any other medications the patient may be taking and any other medical restrictions, such as drug allergies, when prescribing any medication.