Mefloquine

• ​The medication is usually taken once every week, preferably on the same day of the week, unless directed otherwise by your pharmacist or doctor.
• This medication should be taken after meals, preferably with a full glass of water.
• Check with your pharmacist or doctor for the correct dose if your weight is 45 kg or below.
• Start two to three weeks before leaving the country, and continue to take the medication once a week during the trip. After leaving the area with malaria risk, continue to take the medication for four consecutive weeks after travel or once you return to Singapore. It is important to complete the full course of medication for complete protection.
• If you find it difficult to swallow the tablets, you can crush or mix the medication with small amounts of water, milk or other beverages.
• Do not stop taking your medication before checking with your healthcare professional.

​If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your usual schedule. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

To prevent malaria, you may protect yourself against mosquito bites by

• Wearing long-sleeved clothing and long trousers between sunset and sunrise.
• Applying insect repellent containing more than 20% DEET (N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) for adults or 10% and less DEET for children on exposed skin. DEET is a common active ingredient in mosquito repellents.
• Using mosquito coils in the room at night.
• Sleep with mosquito nets around your bed, with the net edges tucked under the bed or sleep in a screened room.
• Spray insecticide where mosquitos may rest. Mosquito larvae survive well in clear, slow-flowing streams.
• Avoid going to an area where malaria is common.

Following these guidelines and medication does not mean that you will not get malaria. If you have a fever or experience chills between 1 week and up to 1 year after your return, you should seek medical attention. Inform the doctor that you have been to a country where malaria is common. Malaria can be effectively treated if discovered early. A delay in treatment may result in serious health problems.