Malarone

Common Name: atovaquone - proguanil

How does Malarone work?

This medication contains two active ingredients: atovaquone and proguanil. It is used to treat and prevent malaria. It works by killing P. falciparum, the parasite that causes malaria. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Malarone?

The usual recommended adult dose for preventing malaria is 1 tablet daily, starting 1 to 2 days before entering an area where malaria is present and continuing until 7 days after leaving the affected area. This medication should not be used to prevent malaria in children or in people under 40 kg in weight. The usual recommended adult dose for treating malaria is 4 tablets once daily for 3 days. Children's doses for malaria treatment are based on body weight. This medication should be taken with food or a milky drink at the same time each day. If vomiting occurs within one hour of the dose, another dose should be taken. If vomiting continues, your doctor will likely consider using another treatment. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be used on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, check with your health care professional. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Malarone come in?

Each pink round tablet, with "GX" and "CM3" on it, contains atovaquone 250 mg and proguanil 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline celluose, povidone K30, sodium starch glycollate, magnesium stearate, poloxamer 188, macrogol 400, polyethylene glycol 8,000, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, titanium dioxide, and red iron oxide.

What should I NOT take with Malarone?

Atovaquone - proguanil should not be used by people who: are allergic to atovaquone, proguanil, or any ingredient of this medication have severe kidney impairment and are using the medication for prevention of malaria (for treatment of malaria, an alternative medication should be used whenever possible)

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Malarone?

Kidney impairment: This medication is not recommended for people with severe kidney impairment. Medical conditions: People who have or have had epilepsy or mental illness should use caution when taking this medication. People who are unable to eat food should use a different treatment if possible as the absorption of the medication is significantly reduced when the stomach is empty. Pregnancy: This medication has not been studied for use by pregnant women. If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of this medication. Breast-feeding: Women who are taking this medication should not breast-feed. Children: This medication is not recommended for preventing malaria in children. It may be used for treating malaria in children who are at least three years old and weigh at least 11 kg.