Description
What Are Malarone Tablets?
Malarone Tablets are an antimalarial medicine that combines two active ingredients—atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride. Doctors prescribe them to prevent or treat malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, a parasite spread through mosquito bites. This treatment is suitable for adults and children over 11 kg, depending on the reason for use.
What Are Malarone Tablets Used For?
Malarone Tablets are used to protect against malaria or to treat it if infection has already occurred. Your doctor will decide the right dose based on your weight and reason for use.
— Prevention of malaria – Suitable for adults and children over 40 kg.
— Treatment of malaria – Used for adults and children weighing 11 kg and above.
How Does Malarone Work?
Malaria spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito, which passes a parasite called Plasmodium falciparum into the bloodstream. Malarone works by killing the parasite, either before it causes an infection or during an active illness.
How Should Malarone Be Taken?
To get the most out of your treatment, it’s important to take Malarone exactly as instructed by your doctor.
— Take with food or a milky drink – This helps your body absorb the medicine more effectively.
— Take at the same time each day – Consistency helps maintain protection.
— If vomiting occurs within 1 hour – Take another dose straight away.
— Complete the full course – Keep taking it for 7 days after leaving a malaria-risk area.
— Dosing varies – Your dose depends on your weight and whether you’re using it for prevention or treatment.
Are There Any Side Effects of Malarone?
Like all medicines, Malarone may cause side effects. Most are mild and short-lived, but some can be more serious.
— Common side effects: Headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, dizziness, rash, strange dreams, and loss of appetite.
— Less common or serious side effects: Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing problems), hallucinations, skin blistering, liver inflammation, or mental health symptoms like anxiety or depression.
Speak to a doctor straight away if you experience any serious or unusual symptoms.
Who Should Avoid Malarone Tablets?
Malarone may not be suitable for everyone. Speak to your doctor before taking it if you:
— Are allergic to atovaquone or proguanil.
— Have severe kidney disease and plan to take it for malaria prevention.
— Are treating a child under 11 kg – this product is not suitable for them.
— Take medicines that may interact with Malarone, such as rifampicin, tetracycline, HIV treatments, or blood thinners.
How Should Malarone Be Stored?
— No special storage conditions required.
— Keep in the original packaging.
— Store out of reach of children.
— Do not use after the expiry date printed on the box.
