Malaria Prophylaxis: Same-Day Appointment (2025)

Malaria Prophylaxis

Authored By: Dr. Leonard Leng
Last updated: Jun 17, 2025

Malaria prevention involves taking medication to stop the disease before it starts. Malaria is a serious illness that travelers should be aware of when visiting areas where the disease is common, as it greatly lowers the chance of getting infected. Malaria is caused by five types of Plasmodium parasites – specifically P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi. It mainly spreads to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Taking preventive medicine is important not only to protect individuals but also to help stop the spread of malaria, especially with some strains becoming resistant to drugs.

Between 2010 and 2017, the number of imported malaria cases in Singapore decreased from 187 to 39 thanks to better disease tracking and mosquito control efforts. From 2018 to 2023, the number of local malaria cases has stayed below 40 cases each year. Even though progress has been made, ongoing prevention is essential to protect both individuals and the community.

Female Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria.

Malaria Symptoms & Complications

Malaria symptoms can appear as early as 1 week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. They can include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Muscle ache and joint pain
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting

If left untreated, malaria can progress to severe complications such as anaemia, respiratory distress, organ failure, and death, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

Fever symptom of malaria.

How Does Malaria Prophylaxis Work?

Malaria prophylaxis involves taking anti-malaria medication, or anti-malaria pills, to prevent infection. These drugs work by targeting the malaria parasite at different stages of its life cycle within your body. Common anti-malaria medications include atovaquone and proguanil, doxycycline, chloroquine and mefloquine. The best medication for you depends on your travel destination and personal health factors hence it is important to consult a doctor before travelling.

Anti-malaria medication chloroquine.

When Should Malaria Prophylaxis Start?

Malaria prophylaxis should start before entering a malaria-endemic area, continue during the stay, and for a period after leaving. The dosage and duration depend on the specific medication prescribed, travel destination, and personal health factors. For example, some medications are started a few days before travel and continued for a week after leaving the area, while others may need to be started weeks in advance and continued for several weeks post-travel. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for the medication prescribed by your doctor.

Malaria prophylaxis should start before travelling to a malaria-endemic region.

Malaria Prophylaxis Side Effects

Malaria prophylaxis may cause side effects including dizziness, headaches and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting and stomach discomfort. It is important to discuss potential side effects with your doctor and manage them appropriately to ensure compliance and effectiveness of the treatment.

Cost of Malaria Pills in Singapore

At ATA Medical, we provide anti-malaria medicines at the following prices:

Medication Price*
Consultation From $38.15
Malarone (Atovaquone and Proguanil)
Dosage: 2 days + duration of travel + 7 days after returning (1 tab per day)
$15.59 per tab
Doxycycline
Dosage: 2 days + duration of travel + 28 days after returning (1 tab per day)
$1.09 per tab
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.

Where to Get Malaria Prophylaxis in Singapore

ATA Medical is conveniently located at:

Conclusion

Malaria prophylaxis is essential for travellers to malaria-endemic regions to prevent infection. Understanding the importance of these prophylactic medications, their proper use, and managing side effects, can significantly reduce their risk of contracting malaria. If you are planning to travel overseas to a malaria-endemic country, consult a doctor about malaria prophylaxis and other preventative measures for a safer journey.

How Do I Book a Malaria Prophylaxis Medication Appointment?

ATA Medical @ Orchard

Address: 1 Orchard Blvd, #05-09 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard Station (TE13)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: camden@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed

ATA Medical @ Tanjong Pagar

Address: 72 Anson Rd, #01-02 Anson House, Singapore 079911
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar Station (EW15)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: hi@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed

Navigate to Us

ATA Medical (Anson House)

Nearest MRT: EW15 Tanjong Pagar

ATA Medical (Camden Medical Centre)

Nearest MRT: TE13 Orchard Boulevard

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Malaria prophylaxis guidelines include taking anti-malaria medication before, during, and after travel to malaria-endemic areas. The dosage and duration depend on the specific medication prescribed, travel destination, and personal health factors. Additional preventive measures such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets are also recommended.
Common prophylactic agents for malaria include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, chloroquine, and mefloquine. Each medication has specific indications, dosage regimens, and potential side effects.
As of now, there is a malaria vaccine called RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix), which has shown effectiveness, particularly in children. However, it is currently not available in Singapore.
The best medicine for malaria prevention depends on the traveller's destination, health status, and potential drug resistance in the area. Common options include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, chloroquine, and mefloquine.
Current malaria prophylaxis involves taking medications such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, chloroquine, or mefloquine, along with non-medicinal measures like using insect repellent and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets.
Malaria prophylaxis should be started before entering a malaria-endemic area, continued during the stay, and for a period after leaving. The specific timing and duration depend on the prescribed medication.
You can get malaria prophylaxis from any of ATA Medical’s two conveniently located clinics in Tanjong Pagar and Orchard. Consulting a doctor before travelling is essential to get the appropriate anti-malaria medication.
The best long-term malaria prophylaxis depends on the specific medication prescribed, the travel destination, and personal health factors. Common options include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, chloroquine, and mefloquine.
The two types of prophylaxis are medicinal (using anti-malaria drugs) and non-medicinal (using measures like insect repellent, bed nets, and protective clothing).
At ATA Medical, we offer malaria prevention pills: Malarone (Atovaquone and Proguanil) for $15.59 NETT per tablet and Doxycycline for $1.09 NETT per tablet. Consultation fees are not included. The total cost will vary depending on your prescribed dosage, which is determined by the duration of your trip.
Side effects of malaria prophylaxis can include gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting), dizziness, and headaches. It's important to discuss potential side effects with a doctor.
Anti-malaria tablets are important for travellers to malaria-endemic regions to reduce the risk of infection. Consulting a doctor will help determine if you need them based on your destination and health status.
Yes, malaria pills significantly reduce the risk of contracting malaria, which can be a severe and life-threatening disease.
In Singapore, you cannot obtain anti-malaria medication without a prescription and have to consult a doctor in order to do so.
Mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective in keeping mosquitoes away.