Suggest Medicines Taken For Malaria While Travelling

Posted on Sat, 21 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 21 Feb 2015 Answered on

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am taking Clopidogrel but am travelling to Vietnam - what type of malaria tablets would you recommend?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
recommendations different for different parts

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

The drug prophylaxis differes in different parts of Vietnam as the drug sensitivity pattern also differs, please tell me which part of Vietnam you are travelling to do that I can help you.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (8 minutes later)

We start in Hanoi then travel to Ha Long Bay. After this we fly to Cambodia to Siem Reap. We are then cruising the Mekong incuding stops at Phnom Penh, Kampong Tralach, XXXXXXX Chau finishing in Ho Chi Minh City.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back

It looks like you will be travelling through the entire vietnam. I recommend you to be on Atovaquanone- proguanil plus doxycycline prophylaxis.
It comes as Malarone, it has to be taken daily, started two days before travel and has to be continued one week after returning. The same goes with doxy as well however some physicians give for 2 to 4 weeks after returning.

I hope I was of help, sorry for the short delay in my reply

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (3 hours later)

Thanks for your response. Is it safe to take Malarone when also taking Clopidogrel anti-coagulent tablets?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
reduces the effectiveness of praguanil

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back

Clopidogrel is shown to reduce the effectiveness of praguanil, however it shouldn't be of much concern as you will on it daily
In my personal opinion it is best to apply chemical skin barriers and physical barriers like mosquito net while sleeping along with these medications

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar