home > drugs a-z list > malarone (atovaquone and proguanil hcl) drug center > malarone (atovaquone and proguanil hcl) drug - patient how to take

In this Article

• What is atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?
• What are the possible side effects of atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?
• What is the most important information I should know about atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?
• How should I take atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Malarone)?
• What happens if I overdose (Malarone)?
• What should I avoid while taking atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?
• What other drugs will affect atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to atovaquone or proguanil. You should not use this medication to prevent malaria if you have severe kidney disease.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• severe complications from malaria; or
• uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether atovaquone and proguanil is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Malaria is more likely to cause death in a pregnant woman. If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks of traveling to areas where malaria is common.

Proguanil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. It is not known whether atovaquone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Atovaquone and proguanil should not be used to treat malaria in a child who weighs less than 11 pounds, and should not be used to prevent malaria in a child who weighs less than 24 pounds.

How should I take atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

It is important to use this medication regularly to best prevent malaria. If you stop using the medication early for any reason, talk to your doctor about other forms of malaria prevention.

Take atovaquone and proguanil at the same time each day with food or a milky drink.

If you vomit within 1 hour after taking this medication, take another dose. If your vomting continues, call your doctor.

If you are taking this medicine to prevent malaria:

• Start taking the medicine 1 or 2 days before entering an area where malaria is common. Continue taking the medicine every day during your stay and for at least 7 days after you leave the area.
• If you stop taking the medicine early for any reason, contact a healthcare professional about another form of malaria prevention.

If you are taking this medicine to treat malaria:

• Take the medicine every day for 3 days in a row.
• Take this medicine for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

In addition to taking atovaquone and proguanil, use protective clothing, insect repellents, and mosquito netting around your bed to further prevent mosquito bites that could cause malaria.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function may need to be tested with blood tests on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have been exposed to malaria, or if you have fever or other symptoms of illness during or after a stay in an area where malaria is common.

No medication is 100% effective in treating or preventing malaria. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if you have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea during your treatment.

Store atovaquone and proguanil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.