What is Malarone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Malarone overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Malarone, Malarone Pediatric, Malarone Pediatric

Generic Names:

  • Atovaquone-Proguanil Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats and prevents malaria.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Ubiquinone/Biguanide Combination

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Malarone used for?

Malarone is an antimalarial drug used to treat malaria caused by mosquitoes. Malarone works by interfering with the growth of the parasites in the red blood cells.

What form(s) does Malarone come in

  • Tablet

What are common Malarone doses?

  • Tablet 250-100MG

  • Tablet 62.5-25MG

Common Malarone prescriptions

  • Malarone
    250-100mg tablet

  • Malarone
    62.5-25mg tablet

How to take Malarone

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk. You may also take this medicine with milk. Take your medicine at the same time every day.

  • If you vomit within 1 hour after taking this medicine, take another dose.

  • If you are giving this medicine to a child who cannot swallow the tablet, you may crush it and mix it in milk. Then have the child drink this milk mixture right away.

  • Keep taking this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. When it is used to prevent malaria, this medicine is usually used before, during, and after your trip.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • If you are giving this medicine to a child who cannot swallow the tablet, you may crush it and mix it in milk. Then have the child drink this milk mixture right away.

  • Keep taking this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. When it is used to prevent malaria, this medicine is usually used before, during, and after your trip.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk. You may also take this medicine with milk. Take your medicine at the same time every day.

  • If you vomit within 1 hour after taking this medicine, take another dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Malarone

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Malarone contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to atovaquone or proguanil (chloroguanide), or if you have severe kidney problems.

Malarone warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have kidney problems or liver problems.

  • You may still catch malaria while taking this medicine. If you become ill or have a fever, call your doctor.

  • Because malaria is spread through insect bites, you can help prevent malaria by keeping your skin covered with clothing. Use bug spray and place mosquito netting over your bed while you sleep.

  • This medicine may not work as well if you are vomiting or have diarrhea. Talk with your doctor if this occurs while you are using this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to keep you from vomiting.

  • You must use this medicine for the entire treatment time in order for it to be effective. Tell your doctor right away if you stop using the medicine early for any reason.

  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.

Malarone interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using tetracycline, metoclopramide, rifampin, rifabutin, Mycobutin®, Reglan®, or Rifadin®. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other medicines that contain proguanil.

  • You may still catch malaria while taking this medicine. If you become ill or have a fever, call your doctor.

  • Because malaria is spread through insect bites, you can help prevent malaria by keeping your skin covered with clothing. Use bug spray and place mosquito netting over your bed while you sleep.

  • This medicine may not work as well if you are vomiting or have diarrhea. Talk with your doctor if this occurs while you are using this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to keep you from vomiting.

  • You must use this medicine for the entire treatment time in order for it to be effective. Tell your doctor right away if you stop using the medicine early for any reason.

Malarone side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.

  • Fever, chills, headache, cough, sore throat, body aches.

  • Seeing or hearing things that are not there.

  • Seizures.

  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache.

  • Weakness, dizziness.

  • Mild skin rash or itching.

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite.

  • Cough.

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