Looking for Pediatric Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone, etc)

[mrcycling]

Hello All,

 

I am trying to track down a pharmacy that might stock the pediatric Atovaquone-proguanil or one of its brand name versions (Malarone, Malanil, etc).  It is an anti-malarial, suitable for children.  And no, I am not looking for it to use in Thailand, we are heading for lower Africa (Zambia, Botswana, etc).

 

While finding it in Chiang Mai is preferrable, we will be stopping in Bangkok before flying out, so am open to suggested pharmacies there as well.

 

Thanks.

[mamborobert]

I would stick to one of the major hospitals myself....RAM or even McCormick.  Something that vital and for children I just would be concerned at the amount of suspect medication coming out of Burma and in particular anti malarial medication which routinely gets mentioned in reports concerning 'copies".  Pharmacies in Bangkok have been specifically mentioned...as well as some smaller hospitals.  Fraud involving substitution and resale is tragically not uncommon with anti malarial medication.

[sly4all]

There is a malaria center  on the moat (west side outer ring, before Chiang Mai Ram). I visited several years ago and if I remember correctly, I believe it is the only place holding medicine for malaria in the area, and only doxycycline was available. Again, from memories, the medicine was not available for sale, only for treatment locally if you are infected - but please go there to confirm this and get a complete update of what is available in Thailand.

Like any other country that is (was) at risk for malaria (mainly sub-sahara african countries), prophylaxis is not recommended locally to prevent the disease to develop an immunity, they actually use the same medicine (malarone, coartem...) to treat the disease...

[mrcycling]

Thanks.  Will check with Chiang Mai Ram and the Malaria Center (I recall seeing it in passing).  So far all I have found has been Doxycycline, but that is not for kids under 8 so not really an option for our daughter.  In worse case scenario, there is always copious quantities of parfum de DEET.

[sly4all]

Thanks.  Will check with Chiang Mai Ram and the Malaria Center (I recall seeing it in passing).  So far all I have found has been Doxycycline, but that is not for kids under 8 so not really an option for our daughter.  In worse case scenario, there is always copious quantities of parfum de DEET.

 

Actually your worse case scenario is the best one! The only way to be sure of not getting infected is by not being bitten by mosquitoes, there are a few rules to protect yourself besides prophylactics and they must be followed. Medicines will not protect you 100% against malaria and on occasion do more harm than good.