When it comes to protecting yourself against malaria, travelers have a few different medication options to choose from. Two of the most commonly prescribed are:
- Mefloquine
- Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil)
Both medications can help prevent malaria, but they differ in several important ways, including:
- Effectiveness against malaria strains
- Likelihood and severity of side effects
- How long they need to be taken before and after travel
- Convenience and cost of access
Choosing the right medication isn’t just about ease of use. It’s about selecting the option that offers the best protection for your specific trip. Your travel destination, trip duration, medical history, and any personal risk factors all influence the decision.
This article will walk through the key differences between Mefloquine and Malarone, helping you make a well-informed choice before you travel.edications your doctor might prescribe. Each one has their upsides and downsides, so let’s compare!
What to Know About Mefloquine
Mefloquine is an antimalarial medication used to help prevent infection during travel to malaria-endemic areas. It works by interfering with protein synthesis in the malaria parasite, which inhibits its ability to grow and replicate. Although it can be effective when taken correctly, it is less commonly recommended today compared to other options like Malarone due to its side effect profile and variable effectiveness in some regions.
Pros of Using Mefloquine for Travel
- Provides protection when started as early as two days before travel.
- Taken once weekly, which some travelers find more convenient than daily dosing.
- Offers moderate protection against malaria when used as prescribed.
- Can be suitable for longer trips where weekly dosing may be easier to maintain.
While Mefloquine does provide protection, it is not considered as reliable as Malarone, and travelers still need to follow strict mosquito bite prevention measures to reduce their risk of infection.
Cons of Mefloquine
- Requires a longer dosing schedule, continuing for 4 weeks after leaving a malaria-risk area, which can be less convenient.
- May cause side effects such as stomach upset, dizziness, and increased sensitivity to sunlight, which can interfere with outdoor activities.
- Has been associated with neuropsychiatric side effects in some individuals, including mood changes, sleep disturbances, and vivid dreams, making it unsuitable for certain travelers.
- Found to be less effective than Malarone in some regions, leading many doctors to recommend Malarone as the preferred option.
Important Considerations
Mefloquine is not appropriate for everyone. It should be avoided by individuals with a history of certain psychiatric conditions, seizure disorders, or heart rhythm problems. Travelers should always discuss their medical history, allergies, pregnancy status, and any other medications they are taking with their healthcare provider before starting Mefloquine.
While Mefloquine can be a useful option for some travelers, most healthcare professionals favor Malarone or Doxycycline because of their stronger effectiveness and more predictable tolerability.
Malarone – A Closer Look
Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) is one of the most commonly prescribed and trusted medications for malaria prevention in travelers visiting endemic regions. It works by blocking the parasite’s ability to reproduce inside red blood cells, targeting the infection early in its life cycle and preventing it from spreading throughout the body. This direct mechanism of action makes it more effective than Mefloquine in many parts of the world, particularly where drug resistance is a concern.
Because of its high effectiveness, mild side effect profile, and short post-travel dosing schedule, Malarone is often considered the preferred option by both physicians and travelers alike. When combined with mosquito bite prevention strategies, it offers a strong layer of protection against malaria during international travel.
Pros of Using Malarone for Travel
- Shown to be more effective than Mefloquine in many regions
- Generally well tolerated, with fewer side effects for most travelers
- Can be started just 1 to 2 days before travel, making it ideal for last-minute trips
- Requires only daily dosing during travel and for 7 days after leaving the malaria area
- Available through online consultations and delivery, often at a lower cost than traditional in-person visits
- Eliminates the common inconveniences of travel clinics, such as long appointment wait times and pharmacy stockouts
Cons of Using Malarone for Travel
- Tends to be more expensive than Mefloquine, especially when purchased through traditional clinics or pharmacies
- In-person travel clinic costs for Malarone can exceed $200, depending on the location and provider
- Daily dosing may be less convenient for some travelers compared to weekly regimens
Cost and Accessibility
Many travelers now choose to obtain Malarone through online consultations, which typically offer lower prices and home delivery. This approach makes preventive care more convenient, especially for those preparing for a trip on short notice.
Malarone’s strong protection, predictable dosing, and relatively mild side effect profile have made it one of the preferred choices for malaria prevention among both physicians and travelers.
See price for online prescription with Runway →
Which is Better for Travel – Mefloquine or Malarone?
After considering:
- The lower risk of side effects
- Evidence of higher effectiveness against malaria
- Convenience of home delivery via Runway
Malarone (Atovaquone:Proguanil) is often preferred by many travelers.
With Malarone, you’ll typically only need to take it for 7 days after travel. Mefloquine will typically need to be taken for 4 weeks after travel, which you may find unpleasant.
Final thoughts
Both Mefloquine and Malarone can be used to help prevent malaria during travel, but they differ significantly in terms of effectiveness, side effects, and overall convenience.
Malarone is often preferred because it is generally better tolerated, has a shorter post-travel dosing schedule, and offers the added convenience of being available through online consultations with direct home delivery at a lower cost than traditional travel clinics.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on individual health factors. A physician will determine the most appropriate antimalarial medication for your specific situation, taking into account your medical history, allergies, current medications, and travel destination. Making this decision with professional guidance ensures both effective protection and peace of mind during your trip.
