Malarone

The active ingredients in Malarone are atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride. The mechanism of action for atovaquone functions by preventing the malaria parasite from producing its energy. The malaria parasite kills off without energy. It is believed that proguanil increases the impact of atovaquone on the malaria parasite.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Malarone. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Malarone:

• Take Malarone with food or a milky drink at the same time every day. Take a repeat dose of this medication if you throw up within an hour of taking it. Contact your physician if you continue to vomit.
• If this medication is being taken to prevent malaria:
• One or two days before traveling to a region where malaria is prevalent, begin taking the medication. Throughout your visit and for at least seven days following your departure from the area, keep taking the medication daily.
• Speak with a healthcare provider about alternative malaria preventive measures if you discontinue the medication early for any reason.
• If this medication is being used to treat malaria:
• For three consecutive days, take the medication daily.
• Take Malarone as directed for the entire recommended duration. It is possible for your symptoms to become better before the virus is totally eradicated.
• To help prevent malaria-causing mosquito bites, use insect repellents, protective clothes, and mosquito netting around your bed in addition to taking Malarone.
• Regular blood tests are required to ensure that Malarone is not negatively impacting your liver function. See your physician regularly.
• If you have been exposed to malaria or have a fever or other symptoms of the disease while or after visiting a region where malaria is prevalent, get in touch with your doctor right away.

The most common side effects of Malarone include:

• Nausea and vomiting.

-Headaches.

• Loss of appetite.
• Dizziness or weakness.
• Abdominal pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Malarone. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Liver problems: black or brown urine, disorientation, stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, and stomach bloating.
• Allergic reaction: skin rash or hives, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, and shortness of breath.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Malarone. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Malarone, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Kidney disease or severe renal impairment.
• Liver disease.
• Severe malarial complications.
• Diarrhea or vomiting that is uncontrolled.
• Allergy to proguanil or atovaquone.
• Cannot be used in areas with chloroquine or mefloquine resistance.

• Severe proguanil or atovaquone allergy.
• Prevention of malaria in patients suffering from severe kidney disease.
• People with Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Start taking Malarone one or two days before traveling to a region where malaria is prevalent if you are taking it to avoid the disease. Throughout your stay and for at least seven days following your departure, take the daily dose of the medication.

Take the medication daily for three consecutive days if you are using it to treat malaria.

When Malarone is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• A blood thinner, like Coumadin (warfarin).
• Mycobutin (rifabutin).
• Rifadin (rifampin).
• Tetracycline.
• Reglan (metoclopramide).

Two strengths of malarone tablets (atovaquone/proguanil) are available:

Each adult tablet has 100 mg of proguanil and 250 mg of atovaquone.

There are 25 mg of proguanil and 62.5 mg of atovaquone in the children's tablet.

Prevention:

When to start: Begin taking Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil) 1 to 2 days before traveling to a malaria-risk area.

While traveling: Continue taking it daily during your stay.

After travel: Keep taking it for 7 days after leaving the area.

Dosage for Prevention:

Adults: Take 1 adult tablet once a day.

Children: Dose depends on weight and should be determined by a healthcare provider.

Treatment:

Adults: Take 4 adult tablets once a day for 3 days in a row.

Children: Dose depends on weight and should be determined by a healthcare provider.

Store Malarone at room temperature and out of reach of children.

GlaxoSmithKline is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures Malarone.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Malarone available.

You should not stop taking Malarone unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Stopping Malarone without finishing the course of therapy can increase your risk of infection.

Malarone's potential to harm an unborn child is unknown. If you are pregnant or want to get pregnant while taking Malarone, let your doctor know. Pregnant women are more likely to die from malaria. Consult your doctor about the dangers of visiting places where malaria is prevalent if you are pregnant.

Proguanil and atovaquone can enter breast milk and harm a nursing infant. If you are nursing a newborn, do not use Malarone without first consulting your doctor. Malarone should not be used to prevent malaria in children under 24 pounds in weight or to treat malaria in children under 11 pounds in weight.