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Malarone

  • Atovaquone 250mg
  • Proguanil hydrochloride 100mg

We have selected this drug for the prevention or treatment of malaria. Malarone acts to kill malaria parasite (schizonticide) in the blood stream and also has activity against liver malaria parasites.

It is indicated for:

  • Prevention of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
  • Treatment of acute, uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Taking the drug

  • The daily dose should be taken with food or a milky drink (to ensure maximum absorption) at the same time each day.
  • If patients are unable to tolerate food, Malarone should be administered, but the effect of atovaquone will be reduced. In the event of vomiting within 1 hour of dosing a repeat dose should be taken.

Prevention should:

  • commence 24 or 48 hours prior to entering a malaria-endemic area,
  • continue during the period of the stay,
  • continue for 7 days after leaving the area.

Dosage in Adults

One Malarone adult strength tablet daily starting 1 day before entering malaria zone- continuing daily while in malaria zone and continuing daily for 7 more days after leaving malaria zone.

Dosage in Children

Follow same regimen with following dose adjustment:

Dosage for Prevention of Malaria in Pediatric Patients

Weight (kg)

Atovaquone/Proguanil HCl Total Daily Dose

Dosage Regimen
11-20 62.5 mg/25 mg 1 MALARONE Pediatric (¼ Adult strength) Tablet daily
21-30 125 mg/50 mg 2 MALARONE Pediatric (½ Adult strength) Tablet(s)
31-40 187.5 mg/75 mg 3 MALARONE Pediatric (¾ Adult strength) Tablet(s)
>40 250 mg/100 mg 1 MALARONE Tablet (adult strength) as a single dose daily

     

The following medical conditions may affect the taking of Malarone:

Dosage in Liver Impairment


No special precautions or dosage adjustment are needed.

Dosage in Kidney Impairment


No dosage adjustments are needed in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30mL/min) alternatives to Malarone for treatment of acute P. falciparum malaria should be considered.

Malarone is contra-indicated for the prevention of P. falciparum malaria in patients with severe renal problems.

Please Note:

  • Persons taking Malarone for prevention or treatment of malaria should take a repeat dose if they vomit within 1 hour of dosing. In the event of diarrhoea, normal dosing should be continued.
  • Personal protection measures (DEET repellants, bednets) should always be used in conjunction with Malarone. Read the pamphlet that we gave you on malaria and insect bite protection. Follow this advice.
  • Malarone and the taking of metoclopramide, tetracycline, indinavir, rifampicin or rifabutin should be avoided.

Pregnancy


The safety of Malarone in human pregnancy has not been established and should be avoided.
For women of childbearing age receiving folate supplements to prevent neural tube birth defects, such supplements should be continued while taking Malarone.

Breast Feeding


It is not known whether atovaquone is excreted in human milk.

Proguanil is excreted in human milk in small quantities.

Malarone should not be taken by breast-feeding women.

Adverse Effects


Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, gastric intolerance, oral ulceration.

In the event of adverse effects or for inquiries, please call our office or email us at info@ithvc.com