What this covers
Antimalarials are medicines used to treat confirmed malaria infection. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in most settings, and they work best when taken correctly after a positive test.
Safe-use guidance
- Always confirm malaria with a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) or microscopy before starting treatment — not every fever is malaria.
- Complete the full course even if you feel better after the first day; stopping early lets the parasite survive and return.
- Take ACTs with food or a fatty drink such as milk where advised, as this helps the medicine absorb properly.
- If vomiting occurs shortly after a dose, speak to a pharmacist about whether the dose should be repeated.
- Return for review if fever persists beyond 48 to 72 hours after completing treatment — you may need a different medicine or further tests.
- Buy antimalarials only from licensed pharmacies and check that the pack carries the regulator-approved registration details for your country.
Cautions
- Repeated self-treatment without testing wastes money and can mask serious illnesses like typhoid or sepsis.
- Some older antimalarials are no longer recommended due to resistance — do not reuse leftover drugs from past illnesses.
- Pregnant women, infants, and people with liver or heart conditions need medical guidance before taking antimalarials.
- Severe malaria (confusion, convulsions, inability to drink, dark urine) is an emergency — seek emergency care rather than treating at home.
How iHealix helps
An iHealix pharmacist can review your test result, confirm the right ACT, and answer questions about taking it correctly. Order through iHealix and have genuine, regulator-approved antimalarials delivered to your door.
Prescription medicines always require an in-app consultation with a licensed doctor first — the e-prescription then goes straight to a licensed partner pharmacy for dispensing and delivery.