Atovaquone and Proguanil Hydrochloride, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride, oral; Malarone; Malarone Pediatric

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to prevent or treat malaria.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before you take this medicine, be sure to tell your health care provider if you have any kidney problems.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How should I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Do not take more than your health care provider prescribes. Taking too much of this medicine may cause side effects.

This medicine comes in 2 strengths: one for adults and one for children. Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Take it at the same time each day with food or milk. If you vomit within 1 hour after taking a dose, take another dose. However, if you forget a dose one day, do not take a double dose the next day.

If you use this medicine to prevent malaria, start taking it 1 or 2 days before you travel to an area where malaria is common. Continue to take the medicine for 7 days after you return to a non-malaria area.

The dosage for children is based on body weight. Follow directions carefully.

What should I watch out for?

No malaria treatment is 100% effective. If you develop a fever during a trip or when you return, seek medical attention. Tell your health care provider that you might have been exposed to malaria.

If you vomit or have diarrhea, you may not be getting enough medicine. Talk to your health care provider about this. You may need another drug to control the vomiting or diarrhea.

If the fever or other signs of malaria return after treatment with this medicine, contact your health care provider.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (contact your health care provider right away): Major vision changes, hearing problems, mood changes, sore throat, fever, abdominal pain, seizures.

Other: Diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, dizziness, itching, weakness, nervousness, higher blood sugar.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• metoclopramide (Reglan, Maxolon, Octamide)
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
• tetracycline (Achromycin V, Sumycin)

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.