Malarone (Atovaquone/proguanil) is a prescription medication used to prevent or treat malaria caused by mosquito bites in areas where malaria is common. Malaria parasites enter the body through mosquito bites and live in body tissues like red blood cells or the liver. Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, nausea, general feeling of discomfort, and muscle or joint pain. The active ingredients in Malarone are Atovaquone and Proguanil. Atovaquone and Proguanil belong to a class of drugs called antimalarials. They work by killing malaria parasites living inside red blood cells and other tissues.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Malarone from Canada manufactured by GSK in the strength of 62.5/25mg (Paediatric) and 250mg/100mg tablets. The generic Atovaquone/proguanil is also available from Canada by a different manufacturer in the strength of 250mg/100mg tablets.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Malarone. The most common side effects of Malarone may include the following:
• Dizziness;
• Headache;
• Mild diarrhea;
• Mild itching;
• Mild stomach pain
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Fever;
• Problems with balance;
• Severe skin rash;
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea
These are not all of the side effects of Malarone. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not take Malarone if you are allergic to Atovaquone, Proguanil, or any ingredient in Malarone. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have liver disease;
• Have severe kidney disease;
• Have uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Malarone and Coumadin, rifabutin, rifampin, tetracycline, metoclopramide, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Malarone will harm an unborn baby. Malaria is more likely to cause death in a pregnant woman. Talk with your doctor about the risks of traveling to endemic areas. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Atovaquone and proguanil can pass into breast milk and may harm nursing infants. Take Malarone precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole with fluid. If the tablets cannot be swallowed whole, crush and mix in condensed milk immediately before taking the dose. Take the drug at the same time every day with food or a milky drink. If you vomit within one hour after taking this medication, take another dose. Contact your doctor if your vomiting continues. If you are taking Malarone to treat malaria, take the medicine every day for three days in a row. Take Malarone for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. If you are taking Malarone to prevent malaria, start taking it 1 or 2 days before entering an area where malaria is common. Take the medication every day during your stay and at least 7 days after leaving. Use protective clothing, insect repellents, and mosquito net around your bed to prevent mosquito bites that could cause malaria. Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children. Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
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