What this covers
Antimalarials are medicines used to treat confirmed malaria infection. In Nigeria, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria, 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 for a NAFDAC registration number on the pack.
Cautions
- Repeated self-treatment without testing wastes money and can mask serious illnesses like typhoid or sepsis.
- Some older antimalarials are no longer recommended in Nigeria 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 that needs hospital care, not tablets at home.
How GoDoctor helps
A GoDoctor pharmacist can review your test result, confirm the right ACT, and answer questions about taking it correctly. Order through GoDoctor and have genuine, NAFDAC-registered 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.