Malarone Tablet

Travelers to India should know before arriving that there is a risk of malaria in all areas throughout the country except no malaria in areas >2,000 m (>6,561 ft) in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Kashmir, and Sikkim. Malaria is also present in Delhi and Bombay (Mumbai).

Ways to prevent malaria include the following:

1. Using insect repellent and wearing long pants and sleeves to prevent mosquito bites. My usual dress, even in 99º temps, consists of khaki pants (various colors) and button down oxford shorts. Rarely do I wear a polo or T outside of the hotel. For insect repellent, I depend on an all natural product made by Quantum. I’ve packed it for 4 trips and although it doesn’t keep the bugs away like a DEET product would, I feel covered.

2. Sleeping in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms or using bednets. A/C rooms typically cost a bit more at budget hotels so you’ll need to make a decision based on health and budget. Travel bednets are easily available online. Budget travelers would be smart to bring their own whereas mid-range to 5 star hotel guests will have a net included in their rooms where necessary.

3. Taking a prescription antimalarial drug. The CDC reports “all of the following antimalarial drugs are equal options for preventing malaria in India: Atovaquone / proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine.”

Doxy has been my drug of choice for several trips. I do experience some of the common side effects but nothing I can’t power through.

For my upcoming South India trip, my travel partner asked me what I thought about Malarone (Atovaquone / Proguanil). Several online reviews from Tripadvisor, TravelBuddy and more were mostly negative. After reading the possible side effects my travel bud was sold on doxycycline. Consult your doctor on what might work best for you.

Malaria Prescription Drug Information for the Public

CDC- A Special Note about Antimalarial Drugs

You should purchase your antimalarial drugs before travel. Drugs purchased overseas may not be manufactured according to United States standards and may not be effective. They also may be dangerous, contain counterfeit medications or contaminants, or be combinations of drugs that are not safe to use.

Halofantrine (marketed as Halfan) is widely used overseas to treat malaria. CDC recommends that you do NOT use halofantrine because of serious heart-related side effects, including deaths. You should avoid using antimalarial drugs that are not recommended unless you have been diagnosed with life-threatening malaria and no other options are immediately available.