Can malaria medicine be purchased in India?

debala

Hello all,

I apologize in advance if this question has already been asked and answered in this forum...

I'm currently living in India and have decided to extend my stay a bit -- so I'm going to need more anti-malaria medication. I'm currently taking mefloquine (aka lariam), but I'd be willing to switch to one of the dailies. My question is: Does anyone know if any of these medications is available for sale in India?

Thanks!
Debbie

edwardseco

Doxycycline, Chloroquin easy.
Malarone not at all.
I believe Mefloquine is available but less easily.
Hopefully, someone who uses it can confirm.
The search engine doesn't always work here but there are quite a few lengthy threads on the M topic..

edwardseco

Doxycycline & Chloroquin yes, Malarone no, Mefloquine I have heard is available but not as easily..

Nick-H

One would hope it is reasonable to assume that, whatever strains of malaria exist in India, appropriate anti-malarials are available here.

I emphasise the words 'hope' and 'assume' .

But I think they are.

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wonderwomanusa

No problem getting Doxycycline, just walk in any pharmacy and buy it!

grikoo

India has chloroquine resistant malaria, so don't go for that one. Try to continue mefloquine if you can, though you may want to have an eye and liver screen if you take it longer than a year.

machadinha

Debala, since you indicate you are in Bhubaneswar (or somewhere in India in any case), is it not wisest to discuss your options with a local or nearby doctor or hospital? They should be able to advise you on what's available and recommended, also for your particular area.

I'm sure you could walk into any pharmacist's and they will just sell you what they have over the counter (I think) so I don't think that's the problem, but I'd get some expertise in first.

(btw Not to sidestep the esteemed fellow posters above. Just that local advice on it should be readily available.)

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Nick-H

Big place! I was recommended it: but that was three years ago now and things change. I was also given it for suspected malaria a few weeks ago, but along with artimesia.

If you are staying in one place, the local docs should know what you need. If you are travelling, then something more general may well be required.

Either way, best advice will be from a doc.

<cross-posted with Mach>

Yes, agree absolutely. You can go to a pharmacy and ask, and what they sell you may be all you need --- but I'd make that visit to a hospital/doctor for advice.