Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil)

What is Malarone?

Malarone is a combination of two medications, atovaquone and proguanil. It belongs to a class of medications called antimalarials. Malaria is a disease that is common in South America, Africa and Southern Asia.

What is Malarone used for?

Malarone is indicated for the prevention and treatment of malaria caused by mosquito bites.

How does Malarone work?

Malaria parasites generally enter the body through mosquito bites and dwell in body tissues such as RBCs (red blood cells) or the liver. Malarone works by killing the malaria parasites that live in the red blood cells and other body tissues.

How to use Malarone

Follow your doctor’s instructions wisely. It is an oral medicine which is recommended to be taken with food or milk/ milk shake/ other milky drink. Do not chew the tablet, swallow it whole. If you have trouble swallowing the medicine, you may crush the tablet and mix it with condensed milk. Drink the entire mixture right away. Do not keep it for future use. You have to take the medicine once daily or as directed by the doctor. Start taking the tablets 1 or 2 days prior to entering a malarious area and continue taking it for a week after you have left that area.

In case you vomit within 1 hour of taking the medicine, repeat the dose. If you have persistent vomiting after taking the dose, you should contact the doctor immediately. You may need another medicine to control vomiting.  Remember taking the medicine at the same time of the day. Do not take more or less dose of Malarone than prescribed. Skipping or changing the dose may cause treatment to be ineffective.

Do not stop or start the medicine without consulting the doctor.

Malarone warnings and precautions

Do not use Malarone if you allergic to atovaquone or proguanil. You may need a dose adjustment if you have ongoing diarrhea or vomiting, kidney or liver problems, mental or mood problems, or seizures. Therefore, inform your doctor about any such problem, before starting to take Malarone.

Avoid performing activities that require attention like driving or using machinery after your Malarone dose as the medicine can make you dizzy. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking this medication as it may cause harm to a fetus. Lactating mothers should discuss it with their doctors – whether to take the medicine or not.

What do I do if I have missed a Malarone dose?

If you have missed a Malarone dose, do not take two pills on the day you remember about the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose and have your regularly scheduled dose. You should never take 2 doses.

What do I do if I have taken a Malarone overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Malarone, you should seek medical help right away.

Malarone interactions

Before taking Malarone, tell your doctor about all the medicines that you are on, especially if you have been taking metoclopramide, rifampin, rifabutin, tetracycline. These drugs can lead to removal of Malarone. The interaction can also increase your risk of serious side effects.

Malarone side effects

Malarone side effects include signs of serious liver problems, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unexplained tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin, signs of anemia, worsening tiredness, rapid breathing, pale skin, fast heart beat, signs of severe infection such as high fever, severe chills, sore throat.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur.

Less serious side effects from Malarone may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, weakness, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.