I will be visiting SA in September. Obviously it looks like we will need to take Malaria pills. Does anyone knows what side effects and/or complications these may have?

Hi Ruben,
I have exactly the same question. If you Google <i>antimalarial drugs</i> you should be able to find some answers.

I've decided to go to a travel doctor, since it appears I will need to anyway, for my yellow fever shots. My tummy is a bit sensitive, and one of the side effects I've read about for anti malarials is upset stomach.

I'd like to see advice from those of you who have already taken the antimalarial drugs.

Malarone is the most commonly used drug and the one with the fewest side effects - at least as reported on this forum. I took mine after dinner every night (on a full stomach) and never had a single issue with it. I will take it on my next trip without hesitation.

Ruben - There is also info on this forum if you type &quot;antimalarial drugs&quot; into the search box.

Cooncat - thanks for your input!

Happy Sunday to all, even if it is really, really hot!!!

The three of us have taken Malerone during three trips to East Africa with no side effects. Took with meal. Dick

Hi Ruben,
I’ve taken Lariam twice without any side effects. It’s less expensive than Malarone and I will continue taking it until something better and cheaper appears on the market. On my first trip I took Malarone, also without side effects.

The only side effect that I have read about with Malerone - other than tummy upset - is extrememly vivid dreams.

Would it be better to take the pill with breakfast or with dinner in the evening to avoid/tone-down this problem?

Have already bought them as recomennded by my Travel Clinic.

Apologies for the typos:
extremely
recommended

The &quot;vivid dreams&quot; are common side-effect of Lariam. Never heard about this with Malarone.

Whether you take in the morning or evening, it should be taken with food.

Have taken both, few side-effects with Lariam, absolotely none with Malarone. But you should always discuss with your physician in consideration of your own health history. Alternative is a tropical disease specialist/travel clinic, but they seem to recommend everything any anything and at a steep cost.

Whichever you choose, go prepared with information so you can ask questions. See the CDC website www.cdc.gov/travel select the country/ies you will visit for their recommendations.

Malarone info:
http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/m/Malarone.htm

Lariam info:
http://www.medsafe.govt.nz//Consumers/cmi/l/lariam.htm

Doxycycline info:
http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/d/doxy.htm