Malarone (Atovaquone And Proguanil Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Malarone Used For?
Malarone is an antimalarial medication that contains two active ingredients: atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride. It’s specifically designed to prevent and treat a particular type of malaria infection.
Primary Uses
Malarone is used to prevent or treat Plasmodium falciparum malaria, which is the most common species of malaria parasite found in tropical areas and is primarily transmitted during the rainy season. This type of malaria is a debilitating infectious disease characterized by chills, shaking, and periodic bouts of intense fever.
How It Works
Malarone works by killing the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. Malaria is transmitted from person to person through the bite of female mosquitos, and this medication targets the specific parasite responsible for this dangerous form of malaria.
Important: Malarone only works against Plasmodium falciparum malaria – do not use it to prevent or treat malaria caused by other types of parasites.
How to Take Malarone
Malarone should be taken with food or a milky drink to improve absorption. The tablets can be crushed and mixed with food or milk for children who have difficulty swallowing whole tablets.
Dosage Instructions
For prevention: Adults and children over 40 kg take one MALARONE tablet once daily. Children 11-40 kg take 1-3 MALARONE JUNIOR tablets daily based on body weight. Start 1-2 days before entering a malaria area, continue daily while there, and for 7 days after leaving. For treatment: Adults and children over 40 kg take four MALARONE tablets once daily. Children 11-40 kg take 1-3 MALARONE tablets daily based on body weight. Take for 3 consecutive days.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take Malarone regularly at the same time each day. If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. If you vomit within 1 hour of taking Malarone, take another dose as soon as possible. Continue normal dosing even if you have diarrhea.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Always take with food or a milky drink for best results.
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
- stomach pain
- vomiting and nausea
- abdominal pain
- indigestion
- mouth ulcers
- rash and itching
- hair loss
- cough
- vision disturbances
- decreased appetite
- headache
- difficulty sleeping
- feeling tired
- vivid or strange dreams
- dizziness
- fever
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- inflammation of blood vessels visible as red or purple raised spots
- widespread red rash with blisters and peeling skin
- severe skin reactions with flu-like symptoms, rash, fever, swollen glands
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
Important Warnings
Before taking Malarone, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current health conditions with your doctor to ensure this medication is safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Malarone
Do not take Malarone if you are allergic to atovaquone, proguanil hydrochloride, or any other ingredients in the medication. Do not use if you have severe kidney disease. MALARONE JUNIOR tablets should only be used in children weighing more than 11 kg, and Malarone is not recommended for treating malaria in children under 3 years old.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems, currently have diarrhea, have had severe skin reactions with Malarone before, have been treated for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the past and it has returned, or if you’re an adult weighing less than 40 kg. Also discuss any other medical conditions you may have.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed while taking Malarone.
Severe Skin Reactions: Malarone can cause severe skin reactions including red rash with blisters and peeling skin. Stop taking Malarone and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of severe skin reactions.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with how Malarone works. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
- warfarin (blood thinner)
- antibiotic medicines such as tetracycline, rifabutin and cephalosporin
- metoclopramide (for nausea and vomiting)
- rifampicin (for tuberculosis)
- paracetamol and opiates (pain medicines)
- benzodiazepines (for depression, anxiety, insomnia)
- aciclovir (antiviral medicine)
- indinavir and efavirenz (HIV medicines)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities requiring alertness until you know how Malarone affects you personally.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive, ride a bike, or use any machines or tools until you know how Malarone affects you. The medication may cause dizziness or other side effects that could impair your ability to operate machinery safely.
Storage
Store Malarone below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep tablets in their original pack until it’s time to take them. Keep out of reach of children. Take expired or unwanted medicine to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Malarone, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
For malaria prevention, you should start taking Malarone 1-2 days before entering a malaria area, continue daily while there, and for 7 days after leaving to ensure full protection.
Yes, you should take Malarone with food or a milky drink. This helps improve absorption and reduces the chance of stomach upset.
If you vomit within 1 hour of taking Malarone, take another dose as soon as you can. This ensures you get the full benefit of the medication.
Yes, but MALARONE JUNIOR tablets should only be used in children weighing more than 11 kg. Malarone is not recommended for treating malaria in children under 3 years old. The tablets can be crushed and mixed with food or milk for children who have trouble swallowing.
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Yes, you should still use personal protection such as permethrin-impregnated bed nets and topical insect repellents when in malarial areas, even while taking Malarone for prevention.
No, Malarone only works against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Do not use it to prevent or treat malaria caused by other types of parasites.
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.