Treatment of Malaria

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Malaria is usually a curable disease and there are a number of anti-malarial drugs available for its treatment. More severe cases of malaria will require longer and stronger courses of drugs. Hospitalisation will usually be advised until the type of malaria strain has been identified. Malignant malaria will require a longer observation period as its symptoms can be potentially fatal.

Drugs used for treatment of malaria currently include Chloroquine, Amodiaquine, Doxycycline and Mefloquine. In some areas, malaria parasites are becoming resistant to drugs such as Chloroquine so Mefloquine (prescribed under the brand name Lariam) is now often used instead.

Some concerns have been raised recently about the side-effects of Mefloquine, such as hallucinations, gastric problems and dizziness, however these symptoms tend to be mild and temporary in most cases. For those with an intolerance to Mefloquine, for example people with a history of epilepsy or mental health problems, doxycycline is preferred.

In all cases prompt diagnosis and medical assistance is important for successful treatment of malaria.