Malaria: Tafenoquine approved for prophylaxis and treatment

Travelers to many parts of the world are at risk for contracting malaria, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,700 cases occur each year among international travelers from the United States.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the drug tafenoquine for two indications: Prophylaxis of malaria ( It can be used as prophylaxis in patients ≥18 years of age against all Plasmodium spp. and in any malarious area) and radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria.

Choosing a Drug to Prevent Malaria

The long half-life of tafenoquine (approximately 16 days) offers potential advantages in less frequent dosing for prophylaxis and a single-dose course for treatment.

CDC reminds healthcare providers the use of anti-malarial medication is critical to keeping travelers healthy. If your patient is traveling to a destination where there is risk for malaria they should protect themselves by avoiding mosquito bites through insect repellents or insecticide-treated bed nets and by taking anti-malarial medication.

There is currently no vaccine available in the United States to prevent malaria.



