Malaria Prophylaxis: How to Prevent Malaria When Travelling

Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim | MBChB, MMed (FM) | Board-Accredited Family Physician

MBChB, MMed (FM) | Board-Accredited Family Physician

Last updated:

What Is Malaria Prophylaxis?

Mosquito illustration symbolising malaria risk and importance of timely prophylaxis medication.

Malaria prophylaxis refers to prescribed medication to protect against malaria infection when travelling to countries where the disease is common. The medicine acts as a preventive measure, stopping malaria parasites from multiplying in the body if an infected mosquito bites you.

Malaria itself is caused by Plasmodium parasites, namely P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi, and is carried by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once these parasites reach the bloodstream, they attack red blood cells and can cause serious illness unless they are prevented or treated early.

Taking prophylaxis does more than protect the individual traveller. It also helps keep malaria from being carried back into malaria-free countries. In Singapore, surveillance and mosquito control have kept local transmission low, and reported imported cases have stayed under 40 each year since 2018.

What Are Symptoms and Complications of Malaria?

Malaria often begins with symptoms that resemble a viral infection, but it can rapidly progress to severe disease if untreated. The illness usually develops about one to several weeks after a bite from an infected mosquito.

Digital thermometer showing 38.3°C indicating fever symptom associated with malaria infection.

Typical symptoms include:

  • Fever that may fluctuate or return in cycles
  • Chills or shivering episodes
  • Headache and fatigue
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

If medical care is delayed, malaria can cause complications such as severe anaemia, breathing difficulties, seizures, organ failure, or in extreme cases, death. Pregnant women, young children, and individuals with compromised immunity are particularly susceptible to severe malaria.

How Does Malaria Prophylaxis Work?

Person holding chloroquine phosphate tablets used as anti-malarial medication for prophylaxis.

Anti-malarial medicines work by interrupting the parasite’s life cycle before it can establish infection in the body. Some act on the liver stage where parasites first develop, while others target parasites circulating in the blood. By blocking these stages, the medication helps prevent the disease from progressing even after a mosquito bite.

Commonly prescribed preventive medications include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, and chloroquine. As these are prescription-only medicines, you will need to consult a doctor for a medical assessment before obtaining them.

The choice of prophylaxis depends on several factors such as travel destination, regional resistance patterns, duration of stay, existing medical conditions, and possible drug interactions. Your doctor can advise on the most appropriate regimen, discuss possible side effects, and recommend additional preventive steps such as using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.

When Should I Start Malaria Prophylaxis?

Traveller at Singapore airport preparing for overseas trip while continuing malaria prophylaxis.

Malaria prophylaxis should begin before entering an area where malaria is prevalent and continue throughout the trip as well as for a period after returning home. This schedule ensures that any parasites introduced during travel are effectively cleared from the body.

The timing for starting and stopping medication varies according to the specific drug prescribed. Some regimens, such as mefloquine, should begin one to two weeks before departure and continue for several weeks after returning. Others, such as atovaquone-proguanil, can be started one or two days before travel and stopped about a week after leaving the area.

It is essential to follow the recommended schedule precisely, as missing doses or stopping early may leave you vulnerable to infection. Consult your doctor well in advance of your trip to ensure you begin the medication at the appropriate time.

What Are Side Effects of Malaria Prophylaxis?

Most people tolerate malaria prophylaxis without problems, though some may experience mild, short-lived side effects. Common symptoms can include:

These reactions usually ease as your body adjusts to the medicine. To reduce discomfort, take the medication with food or at the same time each day as advised by your doctor.

If you experience severe or persistent symptoms such as intense stomach pain, mood changes, vision problems, irregular heartbeat, or allergic reactions like rash and swelling, seek medical advice promptly. Your doctor may switch you to an alternative anti-malarial that is better suited to your needs.

What Is the Cost of Malaria Prophylaxis in Singapore?

At Singapore Women's Clinic, we offer anti-malarial medications with the following prices:

Medication Price*
Consultation From $49.05
Malarone (Atovaquone-Proguanil)

Typical Dosage: 2 days + duration of travel + 7 days after returning (1 tab per day)
Typical Dosage: 2 days + duration of travel + 7 days after returning (1 tab per day)
$15.59 per tab
Doxycycline

Typical Dosage: 2 days + duration of travel + 28 days after returning (1 tab per day)
Typical Dosage: 2 days + duration of travel + 28 days after returning (1 tab per day)
$1.09 per tab

*All prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.

Payment Options We Accept

Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, UnionPay)
NETS / PayNow / GrabPay
Cash

In addition to malaria prophylaxis, we provide a wide selection of travel-related vaccinations and a travel medical kit designed to keep you well protected and ready for any health needs during your journey.

Where to Get Malaria Prophylaxis in Singapore?

Singapore Women's Clinic at Camden Medical Centre in Orchard

Address

1 Orchard Boulevard, #05-09, Camden Medical Centre, S248649

Parking

Camden Medical Centre Carpark

MRT Access

Orchard Boulevard (TE13): 2-minute walk

Orchard (NS22): 8-minute walk

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Sat: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Sun & PH: Closed

Singapore Women's Clinic at Anson House in Tanjong Pagar

Address

72 Anson Rd, #01-02, Anson House, S079911

Parking

Anson House Carpark

MRT Access

Tanjong Pagar (EW15): 4-minute walk

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Sat: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Sun & PH: Closed

Singapore Women's Clinic at CPF Jurong Service Centre

Address

21 Jurong Gateway Rd, #02-08, CPF Jurong Service Centre, S608546

  • Enter via the Office Lobby, beside POSB bank
  • Go straight in, take lift to level 2

Parking

Blk 132 Jurong Gateway Rd (Multi-storey Car Park)

MRT Access

Jurong East (EW24 / NS1): Exit D (5-min walk)

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Sat: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Sun & PH: Closed

Address

101 Irrawaddy Road, #09-01, Royal Square Medical Centre, S329565

MRT Access

Novena MRT (NS20): 2-minute walk

Parking

Royal Square Medical Centre Carpark

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

Address

101 Irrawaddy Road, #09-01, Royal Square Medical Centre, S329565

Parking

Royal Square Medical Centre Carpark

MRT Access

Novena (NS20): 2-minute walk

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Sat, Sun & PH: Closed

Book an Appointment for Travel-Related Concerns Today

Woman consulting female doctor about malaria prophylaxis medication for travel health
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