How It Works
Malarone is a combination medication that stops the development of parasites in the blood that cause malaria.
To prevent malaria, adults need to take one tablet daily 1 to 2 days before entering an area where malaria is present, continue taking it daily throughout their stay, and then take it for 7 days after they return.
To treat malaria, adults can take a single daily dose of four tablets for 3 days in a row.
Dosages for children vary depending on body weight.
Why It Is Used
People take Malarone to prevent and treat uncomplicated malaria that is caused by Plasmodium (P). falciparum. Doctors also use Malarone to treat people with malaria in areas that have chloroquine-resistant or other resistant strains.
How Well It Works
Malarone appears to be effective in the prevention and treatment of malaria caused by P. falciparum, including infections acquired in areas with chloroquine-resistant strains.1
Side Effects
Side effects in adults taking Malarone to prevent malaria include:
- Headache.
- Belly pain.
- Canker sores (mouth ulcers).
Side effects in adults taking Malarone to treat malaria include:
- Belly pain.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Headache.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Malarone may effectively prevent and treat malaria in international travelers, but it may not work as well for people who live in areas where malaria is present.2
You should not take Malarone if you have some types of kidney disease.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2004). Treatment of malaria (Guidelines for clinicians). Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/pdf/clinicalguidance.pdf.
Hogh B, et al. (2000). Atovaquone-proguanil versus chloroquine-proguanil for malaria prophylaxis in non-immune travellers: A randomised, double-blind study. Lancet, 356(9245): 1888–1894.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease |
| Last Updated | May 16, 2007 |
