Atovaquone

Atovaquone is an ingredient used to treat a number of illnesses, including toxoplasmosis and certain types of pneumonia. It is most commonly used as an antimalarial, in combination with proguanil. Atovaquone interferes with the malaria parasite’s reproduction and kills the parasite.

Proguanil

Proguanil prevents the malaria parasites from reproducing once they have entered the red blood cells. It also works in conjunction with atovaquone, to enhance its effectiveness.

What is the difference between generic Malarone and other antimalarials?

Unlike Lariam and Doxycycline, which you need to take for four weeks after your return, for atovaquone / proguanil you only need to take it for seven days after your trip. Atovaquone / proguanil also less commonly causes troublesome side effects than the antimalarials Lariam and Doxycycline. Atovaquone / proguanil tablets are suitable for malaria prophylaxis when travelling to an area where the parasite is resistant to mefloquine (the active ingredient in Lariam).

How does it work?

Atovaquone and proguanil stops the malaria parasite from reproducing. Proguanil works by blocking a particular enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase, which the parasite needs in order to multiply.

Atovaquone also interferes with the parasite’s reproduction mechanism and prevents that the parasite can produce the substances it needs to multiply.

Atovaquone / proguanil is a very effective combination and it can be used for protection in areas with plasmodium falciparum, the parasite which causes the most severe cases of malaria.

Important: When you order a generic (non-branded) medication, it may arrive in different packaging or under a different name to what’s pictured or what you expect. This is because we order from a variety of different suppliers to make sure you always have your medication available when you need it. The medication you receive will contain the same ingredients and work in exactly the same way.

How are the tablets taken?

You need to start your course 24 - 48 hours before you travel, to ensure that you are protected when you arrive at your destination. It is important that you continue your course of one tablet per day for the entire duration of your trip, and for one week after you have left the malaria area. As with all antimalarials, it is still important to practice insect bite avoidance in addition to taking the tablets. You should take your daily tablet with food or a drink of milk, as this helps your body absorb the medication.

Who can take Atovaquone / Proguanil tablets?

It is important that you consult a doctor before you take any prescription medication. When you order Malarone, our online doctor will make sure that you can take the active ingredients Atovaquone and Proguanil before issuing your prescription. You mustn't take the tablets if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. It is also important that you tell your doctor if you suffer from kidney disease or any other illness, or if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. You must tell your doctor if you are currently taking any over-the-counter or prescription medication, as Atovaquone / Proguanil can interfere with other types of medicines. Please note, product packaging may differ from the image above.

Atovaquone / proguanil tends to cause less side effects than other malaria tablets. However, it can still cause side effects. The following side effects may occur:

Very common side effects:

• headache
• stomach pain
• nausea and diarrhoea

Common Side Effects:

• sleeping difficulties
• unusual dreams
• dizziness
• feeling depressed
• loss of appetite
• rash
• cough
• fever

Atovaquone / proguanil may affect blood test results. Tell your doctor that you are taking Malarone if you take a blood test while taking malaria tablets.

Atovaquone and proguanil can cause also cause a number of less common side effects. For a list of all possible adverse reactions, read the patient leaflet supplied with your medication.