Malarone

Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil) — Malaria Prevention

Malaria is a serious, potentially life threatening disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Your itinerary includes travel to a malarious area. It is therefore recommended that you take a medication that decreases the risk of contracting Malaria.

If Chloroquine resistance is reported in the area of your travel (part of Africa, South America, and Asia), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends either Lariam (Mefloquine), Malarone, or Doxycycline.

Malarone is a combination of atovaquone and proguanil.

Malarone is taken daily. Take one pill each day starting 1 day before entering the malarious area, each day while in the malarious area and for 7 days after leaving the area. This medicine should be taken at the same time every day and with a large meal or milky drink.

Side effects of Malarone are rare and consist of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. If vomiting occurs within one hour after taking the pill, take a repeat dose. Consult a health care professional if Malarone is discontinued for any reason while in the malarious area. 

Malarone should not be taken if you are taking certain other medications. These are: Tetracycline, Reglan, and Rifampin or if you are allergic to Atovoquone or Proguanil.

Pregnancy poses special considerations for travelers to malarious areas and the risk of Malaria must be weighed against the benefit of travel. The effects of Malarone use during pregnancy have not been tested therefore Malarone should not be used during pregnancy or in women who suspect pregnancy. One or more components of Malarone are excreted in breast milk.

Because the safety of Malarone in children weighing less than 25lbs has not been established, it should not be taken by women who are breastfeeding. We recommend consultation with your Obstetrician concerning the decisions involved in avoiding Malaria.

As with all Malaria medications, care should be taken to avoid mosquito bites through the use of bed nets, mosquito repellents and Permethrin clothing treatment.

Although Malarone is an effective antimalarial it is not 100% effective. If you have an illness with a fever, SUSPECT MALARIA and seek medical treatment.

Additional information about Malaria prevention can be found from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or by calling the Student Health Center Travel Clinic at (812) 855-7514.