Atovaquone/Proguanil 250mg/100mg (Generic Malarone) Tablets

Directions

Note: Follow your GP or travel clinic instructions exactly.

• For Prevention:

  • Start 1–2 days before travel

  • Continue daily during stay

  • Continue for 7 days after leaving the risk area

• Administration:

  • Take with food or a milky drink

  • Swallow whole with water

Storage:

• Store below 30°C

• Keep in original packaging

• Keep out of reach of children

Ingredients

• Active Ingredients:

  • Atovaquone 250mg

  • Proguanil hydrochloride 100mg

• Key Excipients:

  • Lactose monohydrate

  • Microcrystalline cellulose

  • Hypromellose

  • Magnesium stearate

  • May contain sodium and colouring agents

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Headache

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea

Serious (rare):

• Severe skin rash

• Mouth ulcers

• Hallucinations or abnormal dreams

Seek medical advice for persistent or severe reactions.

Warnings

• Contraindications:

  • Allergy to any ingredient

  • Severe kidney or liver impairment

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding:

  • Use only if clearly necessary and under specialist advice

• Drug Interactions:

  • Rifampicin, tetracycline, warfarin – consult GP before use

• Age Restrictions:

  • Not for children under 11kg body weight (lower strength required)

1Introduction

Atovaquone/Proguanil 250mg/100mg Tablets are a generic version of Malarone, a dual-action antimalarial medication used for the prevention and treatment of malaria. Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites in tropical regions, particularly Africa, Asia, and parts of Central and South America.

These tablets are ideal for adult travellers seeking reliable malaria protection, and they are often recommended for travel to regions where Plasmodium falciparum malaria is resistant to older drugs such as chloroquine or mefloquine.

How It Works

Atovaquone and Proguanil work synergistically to block key processes essential for the parasite’s survival:

Atovaquone inhibits mitochondrial electron transport in the parasite

Proguanil inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme needed for DNA replication

This dual mechanism makes the combination particularly effective and reduces the likelihood of resistance development.

Why Choose Atovaquone/Proguanil Tablets

This medication is widely used and recommended by travel clinics and the NHS for short-term malaria protection. It is known for its high efficacy and convenient once-daily dosing.

Key benefits include:

Generic version of Malarone – cost-effective yet equally effective

Prevents and treats falciparum malaria

Well tolerated with low risk of serious side effects

Short dosing window – only 7 days post-travel

Suitable for last-minute travellers

Important Note

Start taking the tablets 1–2 days before entering a malaria zone, continue daily during your stay, and for 7 days after returning. Missing doses can compromise protection. If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking a dose, repeat the dose. Store in a cool, dry place and keep out of reach of children.