Malarone

What is it?

An antimalarial compound preparation which is a biguanide and anti-protozoal, available as pink, film- coated tablets containing 250mg of atovaquone and 100mg of proguanil hydrochloride, marked GX CM3.

Medical Uses

Treatment and prevention of acute, uncomplicated malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum where there may be resistance to other antimalarial drugs.

Dosage

Adults, treatment, 4 tablets as one dose each day for 3 days taken with a milky drink or food, at the same time on each day. Prevention, 1 tablet each day starting 1 or 2 days before entering malarial region and continuing for 1 week after leaving. Children, treatment only, not recommended for children under 11 kg of body weight; weighing 11 to 20 kg, 1 tablet each day; weighing 21 to 30 kg, 2 tablets each day; weighing 31 to 40 kg, 3 tablets each day and weighing over 40 kg, 4 tablets each day. All as single dose taken for 3 days.

Special Care

Diarrhoea, vomiting, serious liver disease. Not for use against Plasmodium vivax malaria.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, severe kidney disorders.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Tetracyclines, rifabutin, rifampicin, indinavir, metoclopramide.

Known Side Effects

Headache, gastrointestinal upset, abdominal pain, anorexia, coughing. All adverse reactions to be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).

Manufacturer

Glaxo Wellcome.