Malaria Pills: Where To Get Them In Belize

Belize is a beautiful country in Central America with a lot to offer tourists, from archaeological sites to natural wonders. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks and take the necessary precautions. One common concern for travellers is malaria, a serious and sometimes deadly disease transmitted by mosquitoes. So, can you get malaria pills in Belize?

The short answer is yes. Malaria is a risk in some parts of Belize, particularly in the districts of Cayo, Stann Creek, and Toledo. While there is no risk in Belize City and on tourist islands such as Ambergris Caye, it is recommended that travellers to other areas take steps to prevent mosquito bites and consider taking antimalarial medication.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend mosquito bite prevention as the primary means of malaria prevention in Belize. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and sleeping in air-conditioned or screened rooms. Additionally, travellers can consider taking antimalarial medication such as chloroquine, mefloquine, or doxycycline. These medications can be prescribed by a healthcare provider before your trip, and it is important to follow the prescribed dosage for the duration of your trip and upon your return to ensure full protection.

In conclusion, while malaria is a concern in some parts of Belize, travellers can take proactive measures to protect themselves by practising mosquito bite prevention and considering antimalarial medication. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and to ensure that you have the necessary medications and information before your trip.

Where to get malaria pills for Belize

If you are planning a trip to Belize, it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect your health and safety. Malaria is a risk in some parts of the country, so here is some information on where to get malaria pills and other essential health supplies for your trip.

• Visit a Travel Clinic or Your Personal Physician: It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, such as a travel clinic or your doctor, 4-8 weeks before your departure to Belize. They can advise you on the necessary vaccinations and medications, including malaria pills, based on your specific travel plans and health history.
• Find a Clinic through the CDC: If you or your doctor need assistance in locating a clinic that provides malaria medication, you can visit the Find a Clinic page on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
• Pack Malaria Pills: If you have already obtained a prescription for malaria medication, be sure to pack enough pills for your entire trip. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for taking the medication, as some need to be started before you depart.

Other Health Supplies and Recommendations:

In addition to malaria pills, there are several other health-related items you should consider for your trip to Belize:

• Insect Repellent: Select an insect repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for effective protection against mosquito bites. You can also treat your clothing with permethrin, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.
• Bed Net: If you will be sleeping in an area that is exposed to the outdoors, bring a bed net to protect yourself from insect bites while sleeping.
• Water Purification Tablets: If you plan to go camping or visit remote areas, bring water purification tablets to ensure access to clean drinking water.
• Food and Water Precautions: To reduce the risk of travellers' diarrhea and other foodborne illnesses, follow safe food and water practices. Avoid consuming tap water, unbottled beverages, ice, raw or undercooked food, and street food.
• Travellers' Diarrhea Antibiotic: Bring an antibiotic specifically for treating travellers' diarrhea, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin.
• Motion Sickness Medicine, Pain Relievers, and Mild Sedatives: These over-the-counter medications can help alleviate common travel ailments.
• Hand Sanitizer or Wipes: Pack alcohol-based hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes to maintain good hand hygiene during your trip.
• Health Insurance Documents: Ensure you have your health insurance card and copies of claim forms. It is also advisable to review your insurance plan to understand what medical services are covered during your travels.
• Proof of Vaccinations: Carry proof of your yellow fever vaccination if required for your trip. Keep copies of all your prescriptions, including generic names, and bring prescriptions for any necessary medications, eyeglasses/contacts, and other medical supplies.

By taking these precautions and consulting with a healthcare professional before your trip, you can help ensure that you have the necessary medications and supplies to stay healthy and safe during your travels in Belize.

Recommended malaria pills for Belize

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Belize, particularly in the districts of Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo. If you are travelling to a risk area, it is recommended that you take antimalarial medication.

Chloroquine

Chloroquine is the drug of choice for preventing malaria in Belize. It is inexpensive and generally well-tolerated. The recommended dosage is 500 mg weekly, starting one to two weeks before arrival and continuing through the trip and for four weeks after departure. Chloroquine may cause mild adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal disturbance, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and itching, but severe reactions are uncommon.

Mefloquine (Lariam)

Mefloquine is taken once weekly in a dosage of 250 mg, starting one to two weeks before arrival and continuing through the trip and for four weeks after departure. Mefloquine may cause mild neuropsychiatric symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, and nightmares. Rarely, severe reactions occur, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, hallucinations, and seizures. Mefloquine should not be given to anyone with a history of seizures, psychiatric illness, cardiac conduction disorders, or allergy to quinine or quinidine.

Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)

Atovaquone/proguanil is a combination pill taken once daily with food, starting two days before arrival and continuing through the trip and for seven days after departure. Side effects, which are typically mild, may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhoea, or dizziness. Serious adverse reactions are rare.

Doxycycline

Doxycycline is effective, but may cause an exaggerated sunburn reaction, which limits its usefulness in the tropics.

Primaquine

Primaquine may cause hemolytic anemia in those with G6PD deficiency, so a blood test documenting normal G6PD levels must be obtained before starting this medication. In those with normal G6PD levels, the main side effect is gastrointestinal disturbance, which can be minimised by taking the medication with food.

It is important to note that insect protection measures are essential, as mosquito bites can transmit malaria.

How to take malaria pills

Malaria pills are not 100% effective in preventing the disease, so they should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures, such as wearing insect repellent, wearing long sleeves, and protecting your sleeping area with a net or other kind of bed treatment.

• Check whether your destination is a hotspot for malaria: Regions affected by malaria include Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, parts of Central and South America, and the Middle East.
• Get details of your itinerary: Your chance of getting malaria will depend on your activities and your location within the country. This information will help your doctor prescribe the drug that works best against the type of malaria parasites active in that area.
• Visit your doctor or travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before your trip: Some malaria pills require you to start taking them 3 weeks before departure.
• Take the drugs before, during, and after your trip: This is because the parasites that cause malaria can remain in your body long after you have been bitten. Typically, you will be directed to take the drugs 1 to 2 days before your trip, during your trip, and for 1 to 4 weeks after your trip.
• Take the pills with food at the same time each day: If you miss a dose or vomit within an hour of taking the pills, take another dose as soon as possible and continue with the schedule.
• Be extra careful to protect yourself from insect bites if you have diarrhoea: The amount of drug absorbed into your bloodstream may be reduced if you have diarrhoea, so take extra care to avoid insect bites.
• Complete the course of medication: It is very important to finish the course of malaria pills.

Please note that this is general advice and may not be suitable for everyone. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication.

Side effects of malaria pills

Malaria pills are an effective way to prevent malaria, a serious and potentially fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. While these pills are a great way to protect yourself, they can also come with some side effects. It's important to be aware of these side effects before taking the pills, so you can make an informed decision about your health.

Mefloquine is a commonly prescribed malaria pill, and it has been known to cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and bad dreams. These symptoms are usually mild and may not lead to discontinuation of the medication. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if the symptoms persist. Less commonly, mefloquine has also been associated with convulsions or seizures, restlessness, confusion, and unusual behavior. People with liver problems or those who consume alcohol or take medications that affect the liver may take a longer time to eliminate mefloquine from their system.

Another malaria pill, Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil), has been found to have fewer side effects compared to other antimalarials. The most common side effects of Malarone include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhoea. These side effects often improve as the body adjusts to the medication. Less commonly, Malarone can cause dizziness, depression, sleeping problems, unusual dreams, fever, itchy rash, cough, and decreased appetite.

In rare cases, Malarone has been associated with more severe side effects, including hallucinations, severe allergic reactions, hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), blockage of bile ducts, inflammation of blood vessels, increased heart rate, panic attacks, and mental health issues such as psychosis. It is important to note that these rare side effects can be dangerous and require immediate medical attention.

Primaquine is another weekly malaria pill that can cause side effects such as an upset stomach. Tafenoquine is a newer drug recommended for adults traveling to malarious areas, and its side effects include an upset stomach as well.

Overall, while malaria pills are an effective way to prevent malaria, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best option for your specific needs.

What to do if you forget to take your malaria pill

If you forget to take your malaria pill, the first thing to do is not panic. Check how much time has passed since your scheduled dose. If it's only been a few hours, take the dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Avoid taking a double dose to make up for the missed one as this can lead to undesirable side effects.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure about what to do. They can provide guidance and adjust your dosage to ensure continuous protection.

• Establish a routine: Integrate taking your malaria pills into your daily travel routine, such as during meals or before bedtime.
• Use reminders: Utilize technology by setting alarms or using pill reminder apps to receive notifications when it's time to take your medication.
• Consult a healthcare provider: If you've missed multiple doses, consult a healthcare professional. They may suggest adjusting your dosage or provide specific instructions based on the medication you're taking.
• Monitor for symptoms: Even if you've missed doses, remain vigilant for potential malaria symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any of these symptoms.

Remember, missing a malaria pill doesn't mean all is lost. Establish a routine, use reminders, and consult healthcare professionals when needed. Your health and well-being are paramount.

Frequently asked questions