Malarone (Atovaquone And Proguanil Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Malarone Used For?
Malarone is a medication that contains atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride, used to prevent and treat a specific type of malaria known as Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Primary Uses
Malarone is primarily used to prevent and treat malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.
How It Works
Malarone works by killing the malaria parasite responsible for the disease.
Good to know: Malarone is not addictive.
Continue Reading
Sign in to access the complete medication guide including dosage, side effects, warnings, and more.
How to Take Malarone
Malarone should be taken with food or a milky drink to enhance absorption.
Dosage Instructions
For prevention, adults and children over 40 kg should take one Malarone tablet daily. For treatment, adults and children over 40 kg should take four tablets once daily for three consecutive days. Dosage for children weighing 11 to 40 kg depends on their body weight.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on doses.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- indigestion
- mouth ulcers
- rash
- itching
- hair loss
- cough
- vision disturbances
- decreased appetite
- headache
- insomnia
- fatigue
- fever
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- inflammation of blood vessels
- severe skin reactions
- hallucinations
Impulse Control Issues
No specific information about impulse control issues was mentioned.
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings to consider before taking Malarone.
Who Should Not Take Malarone
Do not take Malarone if you are allergic to atovaquone, proguanil hydrochloride, or any of the ingredients. Avoid use if you have severe kidney disease.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss with your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, are taking other medications, have diarrhea, or have a history of severe skin reactions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Special caution is advised for elderly patients, especially those with dementia.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interact with Malarone and affect its effectiveness.
Grapefruit interaction: No grapefruit interaction mentioned.
- warfarin
- tetracycline
- rifabutin
- cephalosporin
- metoclopramide
- rifampicin
- paracetamol
- opiates
- benzodiazepines
- aciclovir
- indinavir
- efavirenz
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how Malarone affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings were mentioned.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Exercise caution before driving or using machinery until you are aware of how Malarone affects you.
Temperature Regulation
No temperature regulation warnings were mentioned.
Storage
Store Malarone below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 or go to the nearest hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Malarone should be taken 1 to 2 days before entering a malaria-prone area and continued during the stay and for 7 days after leaving.
Yes, it is recommended to take Malarone with food or a milky drink.
No, Malarone is not considered addictive.
Consult your doctor if you need to stop taking Malarone suddenly.
Consult your doctor regarding alcohol consumption while on Malarone.
Weight gain is not listed as a side effect of Malarone.
Elderly patients should use Malarone with caution, especially those with dementia.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it's almost time for your next dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.