skittle

Has anyone tried purchasing either of these in Thailand instead of carrying enough for the whole trip? I have read lots on the pros and cons of taking antimalarials but I think we will need to take them. Does anyone know if Khao Sok National park is a problem? We will be there in Fedry season)

Kathie

Malarone is not available in Thailand. Doxy is widely available. Just make sure to check the expiration date.

skittle

We will probably stick to taking doxy then. This way we wont have to carry 1 monthx3 all over the place and we have already taken Doxy so we know it is ok. Can it be purchased without a prescription?

Kathie

Yes, it is available without a prescription.

Kathie

By the way, I just remembered from another post that your daughter is going with you. I don't know the age of your daughter, but be aware that children should not take doxy as it interferes with the development of tooth enamel.

skittle

Thanks Kathie I have written down almost a full page of notes from various topics that you have written about in the past. My daughter is 20 so every thing will be fine but we always consult a travel doctor and the government web site before we travel.We plan to try to travel light so it will be good(and probably cheaper) to purchase Doxy over there.

Femi

Kathie do you know why Malarone is not available in Thailand? I found this rather strange since it is effective in that part of the world.

Kathie

Femi, this has to do with WHO. They are trying to prevent drug resistance, so have regulated (with the cooperation of governments and the pharmas) the availability of anti-malarials. Basically, malarone is not available in places where there is endemic malaria except for some places in Africa where it is available for treatment only. With other antimalarials (notably larium), drug resistance has developed when people have not taken a full course of antimalarials or people have received inadequate treatment doses. In many countries, drugs are available without prescription and people may buy them without knowing effective dosages. In many countries it is common for locals to buy a treatment drug (whether for malaria or anything else) and to take a single dose as opposed to taking a course of the malarial treatment drugs or a course of antibiotics for an infection. Obviously, this contributes to rapidly developing drug resistance.

Dr_Ralph

Take it from the Doc. Get your doxycycline from your doctor back home. 3 months supply will not do that much to your carryon. Remember, doxy will also keep your drawers clean!