There are different antimalarials available and the type of treatment depends on where you’re going, medical history and risk of side effects. You may need to take a short trial course of antimalarial tablets before travelling to check that you don’t have any side effects so plan early. We at the Family Chemist can help you choose the most cost-effective treatment.

Some antimalarial medicines work by stopping the parasite from multiplying in your blood cells meaning the immune system can fight the infection before you develop symptoms. Others work by preventing the parasite developing in the liver so they prevent the parasite from progressing to infect red blood cells. Antimalarials are 90% effective so it is important you take additional precautionary measures and take the full course of tablets.