How long before travel should chloroquine be started?

Chloroquine, a medication commonly used for the prevention and treatment of malaria, should ideally be started two weeks before travel to an endemic area. This timing allows the medication to build up in the body and provide optimal protection against malaria. By initiating therapy two weeks in advance, travelers can ensure adequate levels of the drug are reached, which is important for effective prophylaxis.

The need for early initiation is particularly critical for regions with high malaria transmission rates, where the risk of infection increases significantly upon exposure. Starting chloroquine too close to the time of travel may not provide sufficient time for the drug to reach effective concentrations in the bloodstream, potentially increasing the traveler’s risk of contracting malaria.