Malaria

27 drugs · 2 OTC · 25 Prescription

Infectious Disease

Drugs used to treat and prevent malaria in Nigeria

Caused by Plasmodium parasites spread by mosquito bites; seek treatment within 24 hours of symptoms

Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem) is Nigeria's first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria

When to see a doctor

Seek care if you notice any of the following

  • If you have a high fever that lasts for more than 3 days, go to your nearest clinic or hospital.
  • If you experience severe headache, especially if it's accompanied by vomiting or stiff neck, go to your nearest clinic or hospital.
  • If you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), go to your nearest clinic or hospital.
  • If you have difficulty breathing or feel like you're choking, go to your nearest clinic or hospital immediately.
  • If you experience severe abdominal pain or vomiting blood, go to your nearest clinic or hospital.

For guidance only: always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Antimalarial

Kills parasites that cause malaria

14

Artemether

Prescription

Malaria, especially severe or complicated malaria that cannot be treated with tablets

46 Nigerian brands

Artemisinin; Piperaquine

Prescription

Malaria, including uncomplicated malaria caused by the most common type of malaria parasite in Nigeria

1 Nigerian brand

Arterolane; Piperaquine

Prescription

Malaria (especially the type caused by the most common malaria parasite in Nigeria)

1 Nigerian brand

Artesunate

Prescription

Severe malaria, uncomplicated malaria (usually combined with another antimalarial drug)

55 Nigerian brands

Artesunate; Pyronaridine Tetraphosphate

Prescription

Malaria (including stubborn malaria that doesn't respond easily to other drugs)

1 Nigerian brand

Atovaquone; Proguanil hydrochloride

Prescription

Malaria treatment, malaria prevention (for travellers or people in high-risk areas)

3 Nigerian brands

Chloroquine

Prescription

Malaria treatment, malaria prevention (for travellers or people in malaria-prone areas), certain joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus

23 Nigerian brands

Proguanil

OTC

Prevention of malaria (especially for travelers or people living in malaria-prone areas)

13 Nigerian brands

Quinine

Prescription

Severe malaria, complicated malaria, malaria that is not responding to other antimalarial drugs

2 Nigerian brands

Quinine Dihydrochloride

Prescription

Severe malaria, complicated malaria (when the person is vomiting, unconscious, or very weak and cannot swallow tablets)

4 Nigerian brands

Quinine Hydrochloride

Prescription

Severe malaria, complicated malaria (the serious type that may need hospital admission), malaria that has not responded to other antimalarial drugs

1 Nigerian brand

Quinine Sulfate

Prescription

Malaria (especially severe or stubborn malaria that has not responded to other antimalarials), muscle cramps (leg cramps at night)

5 Nigerian brands

Sulphadoxine; Pyrimethamine; Amodiaquine

Prescription

Malaria, including uncomplicated malaria caused by the most common type of malaria parasite in Nigeria

1 Nigerian brand

α-β Arteether

Prescription

Severe malaria, complicated malaria (when the person is too sick to swallow tablets or is vomiting), acute malaria attacks

44 Nigerian brands