kerryr

does anyone know whether one can buy both Malarone and Ciprofloxacin over the counter at a chemist in bangkok and if so, how much they cost?

many thanks

kerry

scoobydooathome

Hi Kerry

Do not know if you can buy the above drugs in Bangkok, they are Prescription only drugs here in the UK and Malarone is Expensive as it is done on a private Script from your Dr, the good thing with Malarone is that you only need to start taking it 2 days before you enter a Malaria area, while you are there and one week when you leave,as with other Malaria tablets they are taken 2 weeks prior to entering the area at risk while you are there and 4 weeks after you leave.
Malaria Prophylaxis is only required for remote rural areas of Thailand, precautions ie sprays and repellents elsewhere.
Ciprofloxacin is an Antibiotic NOT used for Malaria prophylaxis, it is the Antibiotic Doxycycline that is used from the Tetracycline family so it is ok to take if you are sensitive to the Penicillin family
Malarone, Mefloquine ( Larium) and Doxycycline are the correct Malaria drugs that are sensative for Northern Rural Thailand.

Sorry if you you already know this information but it is the Travel Nurse in me coming out, please to answer any other questions re travel health and Malaria Prophylaxisl