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Chloroquine (now
Hydroxychloroquine)
Because of
widespread resistance to Chloroquine, this medication is the least-prescribed
medication option.
Advantages and
Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Low cost
(attractive to long-term budget travellers).
- Weekly dose
starting one week before exposure and continuing while at risk then
for 4 weeks after leaving malarious area.
- Few side
effects (headaches, nausea, mouth ulcers).
- Safe for
children and for pregnant or lactating women.
Disadvantages:
- Less effective
(70%) in Africa and South East Asia.
- Bitter taste.
- (Rare)
psychological side effects (1 in 10,000).
- May worsen
psoriasis
- More
complicated schedule (chloroquine weekly, proguanil daily)
Side Effects
Possible, but mild
reactions:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Itchy skin
- Hair loss
Rare, but serious
reactions:
- Retinal (eye)
degeneration
- Psychosis or
seizures
Paludrine (Proguanil)
Advantages &
Disadvantages
Advantages
- Cheap (good for
long-term budget travellers).
- Few side-effects
(headaches, nausea, mouth ulcers).
- Safe for
pregnant or lactating women and children.
Disadvantages
- Less effective
(70%) in Africa and South East Asia.
- Bitter taste.
- (Rare)
psychological side-effects (1 in 10,000).
- May worsen
psoriasis.
- More complicated
schedule (chloroquine weekly, proguanil daily).
Side Effects
Mild reactions
(uncommon):
- Nausea
- Headache
- Mouth ulcers
Rare, but serious
reactions
- Allergic
reactions
- Changes in the
white blood cells
NOTE: As with all anti-malaria medication you
should:
- Take the
medication as prescribed
- Take the full
course (continuing for 4 weeks after leaving infected area)
- Take the
medication with or after food; washed down with a full glass of
water
- Take the
medication at least two hours before lying down.
More information on this anti-malaria medication option is
available during your pre-travel consultation with Travelvax. Call 1300
360 164 for the location of the clinic nearest to you.
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