<human>: Dear Doctor, I would like to visit the jungle here in Peru where I m vacationing. However, I didn t bring malaria pills and the only pills I can buy locally are HCQS. I need to start taking them two weeks prior to visiting the jungle and that s a problem for me, since I want to go now. Can I start by taking a larger doses the day before I go? Best Susanne
<bot>: Hi, It is not safe in higher doses. As per the CDC for the prevention of sensitive malaria HCQS is given in the dose of 400 mg per week starting at least 1 week before traveling to the area where malaria transmission is common. And it should be continued as one dose per week while there, and for 4 consecutive weeks after coming back to home country. Taking HCQS in higher doses can cause myopathies, myasthenia-like syn Chat Doctor. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. 