Malarone 250 mg / 100 mg Tablets

Directions

Please refer to the medication’s patient information leaflet before starting any new medication.

• Take one tablet daily with food or a milky drink

• For prevention: start 1–2 days before entering a malaria area

• Continue daily during stay and for 7 days after leaving the area

• Swallow whole, do not crush

• Do not exceed the prescribed dose

• Store below 25°C

• Keep in original packaging

• Keep out of reach of children

Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

• Atovaquone 250 mg

• Proguanil hydrochloride 100 mg

Other Ingredients:

• Microcrystalline cellulose

• Povidone

• Sodium starch glycolate

• Magnesium stearate

• Hypromellose

• Macrogol

• Titanium dioxide

• Iron oxide red

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Headache

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhoea

• Dizziness

Rare side effects:

• Severe skin rashes (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome)

• Allergic reactions (swelling, difficulty breathing)

• Liver problems (jaundice, dark urine)

• Psychiatric symptoms (mood changes, hallucinations)

• Seizures

Stop the medicine and seek medical attention if serious side effects occur.

Warnings

Do not take Malarone if allergic to atovaquone, proguanil, or any listed ingredients. Not recommended for patients with severe kidney disease. Use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding—only if prescribed. It does not guarantee protection from malaria, and mosquito precautions should still be followed. Inform your doctor of all other medications being taken, especially those for HIV, tuberculosis, or anticoagulants.

Malarone is a prescription-only antimalarial medicine used for both the prevention and treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It is especially useful in regions where resistance to other antimalarial drugs is common. Malarone is suitable for adults and children over 11 kg and is typically recommended for short-term travel to malaria-endemic areas. Its convenient once-daily dosing and high efficacy make it a trusted choice for travellers and healthcare providers.

How It Works
Malarone contains a combination of atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride, two antimalarial agents that act synergistically. Atovaquone interferes with the parasite’s ability to reproduce by disrupting mitochondrial electron transport, while proguanil inhibits the parasite’s ability to replicate DNA through dihydrofolate reductase inhibition. This dual mechanism effectively eliminates the malaria parasite at both liver and blood stages, preventing infection or clearing it from the bloodstream.

Why Choose Malarone
Malarone is highly effective and well-tolerated, with a shorter post-travel dosing period compared to older antimalarials like doxycycline or mefloquine. It has a low incidence of serious side effects and is less likely to cause photosensitivity or vivid dreams, making it a more convenient and comfortable option for many travellers. Its once-daily tablet format improves adherence, and its rapid onset offers protection within just 1–2 days of starting treatment.

Important Note
Malarone must be taken exactly as directed to ensure full protection or successful treatment. Missing doses or stopping early can lead to treatment failure or resistance. It is not suitable for people with severe renal impairment and must be used with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Malarone does not offer complete protection—mosquito bite avoidance (e.g. nets, repellents) is still essential. Always consult a travel health specialist or GP before starting antimalarial treatment.