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Malarone Drug Center

Malarone (atovaquone and proguanil hcl) is used to treat or prevent malaria, a disease caused by parasites. Parasites that cause malaria typically enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia. Atovaquone and proguanil are antimalarial medications. This medication is available in generic form. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, weakness, loss of appetite, and dizziness.

Dose is one Malarone Tablet (adult strength = 250 mg atovaquone/100 mg proguanil hydrochloride) per day. The dosage for prevention of malaria in pediatric patients is based upon body weight. For malaria prevention, take 1 or 2 days before entering an area where malaria is common. Take it every day during your stay and for at least 7 days after you leave. To treat malaria, take Malarone 3 days in a row. Malarone may interact with blood thinners, rifabutin, rifampin, tetracycline, or metoclopramide. Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. During pregnancy, Malarone should be used only when prescribed. While you are pregnant, traveling to an area with malaria places you and your infant at a much higher risk of contracting the parasite. It is not known if atovaquone passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. The proguanil in this medication passes into breast milk and the effects of this medication on a nursing infant are not known. The CDC recommends against using this product for malaria prevention if you are breastfeeding an infant weighing less than 11 pounds (5 kilograms). Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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