Timing for taking anti-malarial medication

We're about to go on an organized trip to South Africa, including Kruger Park. We were told that Malarone should preferably be taken in the evening at the same time during a meal. But it's hard to know what time we'll have dinner, especially since I've read that in South Africa, dinner is usually around 6 PM.

I'd love to hear from people who've been on organized trips to this destination and could share their experience. We were thinking of taking Malarone around 7:30 PM, assuming dinner would be closer to 7 PM than 6 PM. Also, if the meal ends up being earlier or later than when we take the pill, would a cookie or a piece of bread be enough to take with Malarone?

Thanks for your replies!

Don’t stress over it. You take your pill with a meal. It’s no big deal if there’s sometimes an hour’s difference.

Anyway, the risk of malaria is tiny—almost zero given the type of trip you’re taking.

Hi Christine,

No worries about the medication schedule. Take your Malarone in the evening with your meal. The risk is very low in this part of Africa.

For more details but requires some basic knowledge: https://www.hcsp.fr/Explore.cgi/avisrapportsdomaine?clefr=1439

(document updated annually and published at the end of June)

Loïc (healthcare professional)

Same answer

Thanks so much!

Thanks so much!

Thanks so much!

Hi there, In reply (better late than never!), Malarone should be taken with a fatty meal for proper digestive absorption.

I just got back from a month-long trip to South Africa (Kruger, Kalahari, West Coast). We spent 8 days in Kruger. I have friends who’ve been going there for 10 years, and they’ve never taken Malarone. The risk is low, except maybe in the north. South Africa is a safe region. This year, I took a bit of Malarone (only in Kruger, just as a precaution...) and I didn’t pay any attention to when or what I took it with. I stopped 5 or 6 days after leaving Kruger. Never took it again in the Kalahari. The risk is really low. If you take it, that’s the main thing. I sometimes took it at breakfast... or in the evening! It’s up to you, but the timing and "nutritional accompaniment" are really secondary concerns...