Find Us: 300 London Road, West Croydon, Surrey, CR0 2TG | Pharmacy Enquiries: 0208 684 1352 | OOH Emergency: 0785 2245 952
If you are researching Malarone antimalarial tablets before a trip, it’s worth getting advice early. Malaria is a serious infection spread by mosquito bites in certain parts of the world, and the right prevention plan can make a major difference to your travel safety.
At Shivas Pharmacy in West Croydon, Surrey, we help travellers prepare with practical advice, destination-specific recommendations, and access to trusted malaria prevention options. If you would like personalised support before you travel, you can book an appointment or learn more about our malaria prevention tablets service.
Malarone is one of the best-known antimalarial options for travellers. It is commonly used because it is convenient, well established, and suitable for many popular destinations where malaria prevention is recommended. However, it is not right for every traveller or every destination, which is why professional guidance matters.
Malarone is a brand name commonly associated with a combination of atovaquone and proguanil. These medicines work together to help prevent malaria infection. They are often chosen for short trips and last-minute travel because the course can usually begin shortly before departure compared with some other antimalarial options.
For many travellers, Malarone is appealing because it is taken once daily and does not need to be continued for as long after returning home as some alternatives. That said, it still needs to be taken exactly as advised to give you the best chance of protection.

One of the most common questions travellers ask is when they should begin taking Malarone antimalarial tablets. In general, atovaquone/proguanil is started 1 to 2 days before entering a malaria-risk area, taken daily while you are there, and then continued for 7 days after leaving the risk area.
| Stage | Typical Malarone Timing |
|---|---|
| Before travel | Start 1 to 2 days before entering the malaria-risk area |
| During travel | Take 1 tablet every day at around the same time |
| After travel | Continue daily for 7 days after leaving the malaria-risk area |
Because malaria advice can vary by country, region, and even season, you should not rely on a general rule alone. A travel consultation helps make sure you are taking the right medicine for the right destination.
Malarone antimalarial tablets are popular for several reasons. Depending on your destination and health background, they may offer a practical balance of convenience and protection.
Even so, no antimalarial tablet gives complete protection on its own. Bite prevention is still essential, including insect repellent, covering up in the evenings, and sleeping under treated mosquito nets where appropriate.
Not always. The best antimalarial choice depends on your destination, trip length, medical history, age, pregnancy status, and any medicines you already take. Some travellers may be better suited to a different option, while others may need additional travel health advice alongside malaria prevention.
That is why a pharmacy consultation can be valuable. At Shivas Pharmacy, we can help assess whether Malarone is a suitable option, talk you through how to take it properly, and help you prepare for travel with greater confidence.
If you are planning a trip soon, you can book a travel health appointment or visit our malaria prevention page to learn more.
Malaria prevention is about more than tablets alone. A complete travel health plan may also include vaccine checks, destination-specific advice, and practical steps to reduce insect bites while you are away.
For more travel health reading on the Shivas Pharmacy website, you can also visit How Long Does Tetanus Immunisation Last? and How Long Does the Typhoid Vaccine Last?.

Malarone is usually taken once daily, starting shortly before entering a malaria-risk area, continued each day during travel, and for a short period after leaving. Always follow the advice given for your destination and your own circumstances.
Access depends on the pharmacy service and your travel assessment. A consultation helps confirm whether it is appropriate for your destination and health needs.
Yes. Antimalarial tablets are only one part of malaria prevention. Bite avoidance remains essential.
No. Other malaria prevention tablets may also be used depending on the destination and the traveller. The most suitable choice varies from person to person.
If you want a straightforward way to prepare for travel, getting advice on Malarone antimalarial tablets before you leave can help you protect your health and avoid last-minute stress. Shivas Pharmacy supports travellers across West Croydon, Surrey with convenient local advice and access to malaria prevention support. Book your appointment today or visit our malaria prevention tablets page to learn more.