Antimalarials

Antimalarial Tablets | Malaria Prevention Treatment | Allied Pharmacies

Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection spread by mosquitoes in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. According to the NHS, malaria can be fatal if not identified and treated promptly, making prevention essential for anyone travelling to a malaria-risk country.

Antimalarial tablets are the most effective way to protect yourself against malaria while travelling. At Allied Pharmacies, our trained pharmacists and independent prescribers can assess your travel plans, recommend the most suitable antimalarial medication and issue a prescription during a single convenient appointment — no GP referral needed.

Use the postcode search below to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy offering antimalarial prescriptions.

What Is Malaria?

Malaria is an infection caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The NHS states that it takes just one mosquito bite to become infected.

Once the parasites enter the body, they travel to the liver where they multiply before entering the bloodstream and infecting red blood cells. This triggers the symptoms of malaria, which can range from mild flu-like illness to severe, life-threatening complications.

Malaria is found in large areas of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, parts of the Middle East and some Pacific islands. It is not found in the UK, but around 1,500 to 2,000 cases are reported each year in travellers returning from abroad.

Symptoms of Malaria

The NHS advises that malaria symptoms typically appear 7 to 18 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, although in some cases symptoms can take months or even up to a year to develop. Symptoms may include:

• A high temperature, fever or chills
• Feeling hot and shivery or having sweating episodes
• Headaches and confusion
• Muscle aches and pains
• Extreme tiredness and fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

If you develop any of these symptoms within 12 months of returning from a country where malaria is present, the NHS advises seeking urgent medical attention. Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you have recently travelled to a malaria-risk area.

Types of Antimalarial Tablets

There are several types of antimalarial medication available. The right choice depends on your destination, the length of your trip, your medical history and any other medications you are taking. The most commonly prescribed antimalarials include:

• Atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone) — taken daily, starting 1 to 2 days before travel and continuing for 7 days after returning. Generally well tolerated with fewer side effects than some alternatives
• Doxycycline — taken daily, starting 1 to 2 days before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after returning. An affordable option, though it can increase sensitivity to sunlight
• Mefloquine (Lariam) — taken weekly, starting 2 to 3 weeks before travel and continuing for 4 weeks after returning. Not suitable for everyone due to potential neuropsychiatric side effects

Your pharmacist will discuss the options with you and recommend the most appropriate antimalarial based on your individual circumstances and travel plans.

Are Antimalarial Tablets Available on the NHS?

Antimalarial tablets for travel purposes are not available free of charge on the NHS. They are classed as a private prescription, meaning you will need to pay for the medication. However, this does not mean you need to visit your GP — at Allied Pharmacies, our independent prescribing pharmacists can assess your needs and issue a prescription directly during your travel health consultation.

This saves you a separate GP appointment and means you can get your antimalarials and travel advice in a single visit.

Who Is Most at Risk from Malaria?

While malaria can affect anyone who travels to a risk area without adequate protection, certain groups are at higher risk of severe illness. The NHS highlights the following groups as being particularly vulnerable:

• Pregnant women — malaria can cause serious complications for both mother and baby
• Young children and babies
• Adults over 65
• People with weakened immune systems, including those on immunosuppressant medication
• People without a spleen or with a non-functioning spleen

If you fall into any of these groups and are planning travel to a malaria-risk area, it is especially important to seek professional travel health advice before your trip.

Preventing Malaria While Travelling

Antimalarial tablets are essential, but the NHS also recommends taking additional precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito bites while in a malaria-risk area:

• Use insect repellent containing at least 50% DEET on exposed skin
• Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers, particularly during the evening and at night when mosquitoes are most active
• Keep doors and windows closed or screened
• Consider using a plug-in insecticide vaporiser in your room

Combining antimalarial medication with bite prevention measures gives you the best level of protection against malaria.

How the Antimalarial Service Works at Allied Pharmacies

Getting antimalarial tablets at Allied Pharmacies is quick and convenient.

• Book your appointment — use our online booking system or call your nearest Allied Pharmacy
• Travel health consultation — your pharmacist will review your destination, itinerary, medical history and any current medications
• Prescription and dispensing — if antimalarials are recommended, your pharmacist can prescribe and dispense the medication during the same visit
• Travel advice — you will receive personalised guidance on bite prevention, when to start and stop your medication, and what to do if you develop symptoms during or after your trip

We recommend booking your consultation at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel to allow time for any vaccinations or medications that need to be started in advance.

Why Choose Allied Pharmacies for Antimalarials?

• No GP referral required — book directly with your local pharmacy
• Independent prescribing pharmacists who can issue prescriptions on the spot
• All major antimalarial brands available
• Convenient high street locations near you
• Fast appointments, often available within days
• Comprehensive travel health consultation included

Related Travel Health Services

If you are preparing for a trip abroad, you may also need other travel health services available at Allied Pharmacies:

• Altitude Sickness Prevention — advice and Diamox prescriptions for high-altitude travel
• Cholera Vaccine — oral vaccine for travel to areas with poor sanitation
• Hepatitis A Vaccine — recommended for many travel destinations worldwide
• Hepatitis B Vaccine — important for travellers to certain regions
• Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine — for travel to parts of Asia and the Pacific
• Dengue Fever Vaccine — for travel to tropical and subtropical regions
• Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio Vaccine — booster recommended before many international trips
• Jet Lag Treatment — advice and medication for long-haul flights

Visit our full list of pharmacy services to see everything available at your nearest Allied Pharmacy.

Find Antimalarial Tablets Near You

Antimalarial prescriptions and travel health consultations are available at participating Allied Pharmacies across the UK. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest pharmacy, check availability and book your appointment today.

Whether you are heading to sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia or South America, our pharmacists are here to help you travel safely and with peace of mind.

For more information about malaria and antimalarial tablets, visit the NHS malaria page.