Chapter 5 - Antimalarials Flashcards
What is the length of prophylaxis for mefloquine?
2-3 weeks before travel into endemic area, during and 4 weeks after leaving endemic area
ONCE WEEKLY dose.
Take WITH food.
Mefloquine is contra-indicated in patients with which neurological disorder?
Psychiatric disorders
Mefloquine is associated with neuropsychiatric reactions - abnormal dreams, insomnia, anxiety and depressions occur commonly.
What is the length of prophylaxis for doxycycline?
1-2days before travel, during and for 4 weeks after
How long should prophylaxis be continued for generally and which antimalarial is the exception to this?
Continued for 4 weeks generally
Exception = Malarone which should be stopped 1 week after travel
In people who require long term malaria prophylaxis, which two antimalarials are licensed to be used for 5years or more?
Chloroquine and proguanil hydrochloride may be used for periods of over 5 years
Doxycycline licensed for prophylaxis for 2 years
Which antimalarials are appropriate to use in renal impairment?
Mefloquine
Chloroquine - dose reduction required in severe impairment
Doxycycline
Patients who are travelling to a malaria risk destination should be advised to start prophylaxis how long before departure and how often should INR be checked?
Prophylaxis started 2-3 weeks before departure. INR should be stable before departure with bloods measured before prophylaxis, 7 days after commencing and after completing the course.
What active ingredients does Malarone consist of?
Atovaquone + Proguanil
What is the prophylactic regimen for Malarone?
1-2 days before entering endemic area, during and for 1 week after
What other non drug treatment related antimalarial protection can you advise to those going abroad where a risk of malaria is present?
- use of mosquito nets impregnated with permethrin
- diethyltolumide sprays 20-50% safe to use on skin
- long sleeves and trousers to be worn after dusk
