Malarone Tablets - Malaria Prevention

Malarone is an oral antimalarial medication that prevents malaria when travelling to areas at risk of malaria infections. Mosquito bites cause the disease. Malaria causes fever, vomiting, and even headaches. Malarone is swallowed before, during, and after visiting malaria-prone places to prevent infections by the four species of plasmodium parasites. GlaxoSmithKline Company manufactures the prescription drug. It is taken once daily, 1-2 days before travel. The treatment should continue until one week after returning. Malarone tablets contain two active ingredients, proguanil hydrochloride and atovaquone. Malaria occurs when the plasmodium parasite enters the bloodstream and starts to reproduce. Proguanil works by inhibiting the parasite’s ability to reproduce. Proguanil blocks the action of the dihydrofolate reductase enzyme that helps the parasite to reproduce and multiply. It prevents the formation of any new genetic material forming within the parasite, inhibiting reproduction. Atovaquone works similarly to proguanil. It hinders the production of new genetic material from inside the malaria parasite, resulting in its inability to reproduce.

What is Malarone used for?

Malarone is used to prevent malaria when travelling to areas with a high risk of infection.

How should I take Malarone?

Take one tablet daily, starting 2 days before entering a malarial area, during the stay, and for seven days after leaving.

What are the common side effects?

Common side effects include headache, nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Who should not take Malarone?

People with severe kidney problems, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those allergic to its ingredients should avoid Malarone.

Can Malarone be taken with food?

Yes, Malarone should be taken with or after food or milk to enhance absorption.

What should I do if I vomit after taking Malarone?

If vomiting occurs within one hour of taking Malarone, take another dose.

Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Malarone?

No specific dietary restrictions, but maintain a balanced diet and moderate alcohol intake.

Malarone is unsuitable for you if you:

• - Are allergic to the ingredients.
• - Have liver or kidney problems.
• - Are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Take Malarone:

• - You should take one tablet every day at roughly the same time daily.
• - Start taking 2 days before entering a malarial area, for each day you are there and continue for seven days after leaving the malarial area.
• - Swallow Malarone with or after food or milk.
• - Malarone remains effective with a moderate alcohol intake.
• - In the event of vomiting within 1 hour of taking Malarone, repeat the dose.

Malarone tablets contain two active ingredients Proguanil Hydrochloride and Atovaquone. Each capsule contains poloxamer 188, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, povidone K30, sodium starch glycolate (Type A), and magnesium stearate. The coating is made of hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), and iron oxide red (E172), macrogol 400, and polyethylene glycol 8000.

When used to prevent malaria, Malarone tablets rarely cause side effects. If you experience any, the side effects include:

• - Coughing.
• - Diarrhoea.
• - Dizziness.
• - Headache.
• - Loss of appetite.
• - Mouth sores.
• - Nausea.
• - Stomach pain.
• - Vomiting.
• - Weakness.