Malaria Prophylaxis Flashcards
Length of prophylaxis- Chloroquine
1 week before travel
Length of prophylaxis- Mefloquine
2-3 weeks before travel
Length of prophylaxis- atovaquone with proguanil
1-2 days before travel
Length of prophylaxis- Doxycycline
1-2 days before travel
How long should prophylaxis be continued after leaving the area?
Prophylaxis should be continued for 4 weeks after leaving the area (except for atovaquone with proguanil hydrochloride prophylaxis which should be stopped 1 week after leaving)
How long after leaving an area should you think an illness is malaria
It is important to consider that any illness that occurs within 1 year and especially within 3 months of return might be malaria, even if all recommended precautions against malaria were taken.
what antimalarials are contraindicated in epilepsy
Both chloroquine and mefloquine are unsuitable for malaria prophylaxis in individuals with a history of epilepsy. In these patients, doxycycline or atovaquone with proguanil hydrochloride may be used. However doxycycline may interact with some antiepileptics and its dose may need to be adjusted, see interactions information for doxycycline.
What antimalarials can be used in pregnancy
Chloroquine can be given during pregnancy, but is not appropriate for most areas because its effectiveness has declined. If travelling to high risk areas or there is resistance to other drugs, mefloquine may be considered during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Mefloquine can be used in the first trimester with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks. Doxycycline is contra-indicated during pregnancy; however it can be used for malaria prophylaxis if other regimens are unsuitable, and if the entire course of doxycycline can be completed before 15 weeks’ gestation [unlicensed]. Atovaquone with proguanil hydrochloride should be avoided during pregnancy, however it can be considered during the second and third trimesters if there is no suitable alternative.
