costa rica

[searider]

I am going to Costa Rica on Monday.I have been given chloroquine anti malaria tablets by the chemist.Do i need it ? and if so does it make you feel ill, and can you drink with it? Any help and advice would be great, thanks, Brian.

[dzug]

From http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/

MALARIA PRECAUTIONS
Malaria precautions are essential in rural areas below 700m in Alajuela, Guanacaste, Limon and Heredia all year round. . P falciparum was reported for the first time in recent years in tourist areas in Puntarenas costal province in 2004: (Go to Malaria Map). Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.

Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable antimalarial tablets.

(Chloroquine or proguanil is usually recommended for those visiting risk areas).

Prompt investigation of fever is essential.

end quote

Malaria is a disease that is sometimes fatal and for which there is no real cure. Draw your own conclusions.

as to side effects and drinking - sorry no idea. Ask the chemist.

[Buenchico]

According to drugs.com (a recognised source of information) there don't seem to be any problems with drinking alcohol while taking chloroquine:
http://www.drugs.com/mtm/chloroquine.html

Most ant-malarial treatments require you to start taking them a few days before arrival in the infected area. If the pharmacist didn't tell you when to start taking the drug, go back and ask.

Chris

[rfhenryuk]

Normally you have to take malaria tablets for two weeks before departure and four weeks after you return