What Is Malaria?

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. After entering the body, the parasite multiplies in the liver and infects red blood cells. It typically causes:

  • High fever

  • Chills and sweating

  • Fatigue and body aches

  • Nausea or vomiting

Symptoms usually appear 10–15 days after infection. Symptoms can appear months after travel and may still occur even if you took medication. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop a fever after visiting a malaria-risk area.

If left untreated, it can lead to complications like organ failure, coma, or death — especially with Plasmodium falciparum, the most severe type.

What Is Malaria Prophylaxis?

Malaria prophylaxis refers to the use of medication to prevent malaria infection before, during, and after travel to high-risk areas. These oral medications do not prevent mosquito bites, but they stop the malaria parasite from multiplying in your body if you are bitten.

There is no widely available malaria vaccine for travellers — so prophylactic medication remains the most effective protection alongside mosquito avoidance.

There are different types of anti-malarial medications, each with its own dosing schedule, side effects, and suitability depending on:

  • Your travel destination and duration

  • Your personal medical history

  • Age, pregnancy status, and other risk factors

During your travel consult, our doctor will assess your risk and prescribe the most suitable option for you.

Taking malaria prophylaxis correctly and consistently is key to preventing serious illness during or after your trip.


source: HealthHub

Which Destinations Have Malaria Risk?

Africa

  • High risk in most of Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

South Asia

  • Parts of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Southeast Asia

  • Rural parts of Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and East Malaysia (e.g. Sabah).

South America

  • The Amazon basin: Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela.

Pacific Islands

  • Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu.

During your pre-travel consultation, our doctor will evaluate the specific cities, towns, and nature areas you plan to visit and advise you accordingly.

Always check with the destination embassy, CDC, or MOH Singapore for the latest updates. 

Who Should NOT take the Anti-Malaria Medication?

Avoid Malarone® if you:

  • Are allergic to atovaquone or proguanil

  • Have severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min)

  • Are a young infant weighing under 5 kg (safety not established)

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding (use only if advised by our doctor)

  • Are taking certain medications (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, tetracycline, warfarin) that may reduce its effectiveness

Avoid Doxycycline if you:

  • Are under 8 years old (can cause permanent tooth discoloration and affect bone growth)

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding (can harm fetal development and infant teeth/bone growth)

  • Have a history of severe liver disease

  • Have had esophageal irritation or ulcers from past doxycycline use

  • Have a known allergy to tetracycline antibiotics

  • Cannot tolerate photosensitivity (prone to sunburn)

  • Take certain medications (e.g. isotretinoin, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants) — interactions may occur

Common side effects

Malarone®

  • Nausea, abdominal pain, headache.

Doxycycline

  • Sun sensitivity, nausea, diarrhea. 

Anti-Malaria Medications Available

There is no malaria vaccine for general travellers. Instead, oral medication is used for prevention (prophylaxis).

Type of Medication Price Recommended Doses Recommended Age

Malarone®

Coming soon

1 tab per day, start 2 days before travel, stop 7 days after travel.

Suitable for adults. 

Children doses varies depending on weight, please consult our doctor on this.

Doxycycline

Coming soon

1 tab per day, start 2 days before travel, stop 28 days after travel.

Suitable for adults and children above 8 years old. 

Please Note:

Prices are listed in SGD and are for 1 tab of the medication ONLY. Prices are exclusive of GST. Mandatory consultation and administration charges are applicable.

*Prices listed were last updated on 1 July 2024. Prices may be subject to change.

Recommended to start 2 days before departure.

Finding Us

Holland Village

255 Holland Ave, Singapore 278983

Near MRT Exit B

CC21
2 min walk

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:

8.30am - 2.30pm

5.30pm - 10.00pm  

Wed:

8.30am - 2.30pm  

Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm

Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.

** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.

WhatsApp Us Call Us (8118 5298) Get Directions Read more

Katong

437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650

Near Marine Parade MRT

TE26
Shopfront Parking

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:

8.30am - 2.30pm

5.30pm - 10.00pm  

Wed:

8.30am - 2.30pm  

Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm

Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.

** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.

WhatsApp Us Call Us (9851 3728) Get Directions Read more

FAQ

Accessibility & Support

What is Regis Medical GP clinic’s locations and opening hours?

Regis Medical Holland Village is located at 255 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278983

Regis Medical Katong is located at 437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650

Click here to view our opening hours

Appointment

How do I book a appointment?

To book an appointment at Regis Medical Holland Village, please call or whatsapp us 8118 5298

To book an appointment at Regis Medical Katong, please call or whatsapp us 9851 3728

What are Regis Medical’s cancellation and refund policy?

You can only cancel or change your appointments up to 24 hours before your appointment. You will receive your refund within 3 working days. No refund will be issued for no shows and cancellations within 24 hours before your appointment.

Can I reschedule my appointment? 

Yes. You can reschedule your appointments. However, you need to reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before your actual appointment time.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

No refund will be issued for missed appointments.

Finance

What are the modes of payment accepted at Regis Medical?

We accept Visa/Mastercard/AMEX, PayNow, JCB, UnionPay and ApplePay.

General Enquiry

How do prevent Malaria

Besides anti-malaria medication, you can also protect yourself from mosquito bites, by wearing long sleeves, use insect repellent (≥20% DEET), and sleep under mosquito nets.

How long before my trip should I start medication?

For Malarone® and Doxycycline, you should start your anti-malaria medication at least 1 -2 days before entering into high risk areas

What if I vomit after taking my medication?

If you vomit within 1 hour of taking Malarone®, repeat the dose.

What happens if i missed a dose?

If you miss a dose by a few hours: Take it as soon as you remember.

If it’s close to the next scheduled dose: Skip the missed one — do not double up.

Missing even one dose may reduce your protection, so aim to take it at the same time each day.

What if I have allergies?

If you’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction (like anaphylaxis) to a typhoid vaccine or to phenol (a component of this vaccine), you should not take it. Mild reactions like redness, swelling, or a low-grade fever are normal and not an allergy.

How should I store antimalarial medication?
Keep at room temperature, away from sunlight and moisture. Store out of reach of children. Do not use expired medication