Malaria pills, also known as antimalarials, can cause a range of side effects depending on the specific medication. The most commonly used malaria pills include atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), mefloquine (Lariam), doxycycline, and artemether-lumefantrine. Below are some of the possible side effects reported for different types of malaria pills:
- Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone): Common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. These are usually mild and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Less common but possible reactions include mouth ulcers, liver inflammation, nightmares, panic attacks, seizures, increased heart rate, peeling skin, and severe allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing or facial swelling. Serious skin reactions may occur and require immediate medical attention[1][6][7].
- Mefloquine (Lariam): Frequently reported side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and vivid or unpleasant dreams. Neurological and mental health-related side effects are possible, such as anxiety, depression, confusion, nightmares, agitation, panic attacks, restlessness, mood changes, and even rare instances of psychosis or suicidal thoughts. People experiencing mental health symptoms should consult a healthcare provider immediately[3][5][8].
- Doxycycline: While not always specified by name, rare side effects can include anxiety, difficulty swallowing, flushing of the skin, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), severe headache, blurred vision, jaundice, and inflammation of the liver. Common symptoms overlap with other antimalarials and may include loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain[5].
- Artemether-Lumefantrine: Possible side effects include headache, dizziness, weakness, muscle or joint pain, sleeplessness, vomiting, and loss of appetite. These are generally mild and resolve without intervention[2].
Allergic reactions to any malaria pill—presenting as rash, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing, or chest pain—require urgent medical care. Severe reactions are rare but can be dangerous. Patients with liver problems or those taking medications affecting the liver may experience prolonged or intensified side effects[3][5].
If you experience severe or unusual symptoms while taking malaria pills—especially mental health changes, skin reactions, or signs of allergic response—consult a healthcare professional immediately.
References
- [1] Which Side Effects Can Malarone Cause? – Superdrug Health Clinic
- [2] Artemether and Lumefantrine: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- [3] Mefloquine (Lariam®) – VA Public Health
- [5] Side Effects Of Malaria Tablets | LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor UK
- [6] Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone™) – CDC
- [7] Atovaquone and proguanil (oral route) – Side effects & dosage
- [8] Adverse effects of antimalarials. An update – PubMed