Malarone (combination atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride) can be used for either prophylaxis or treatment of Plasmodium falciparum in regions where resistance to other drugs is expected.
Formulation |
Atovaquone Content |
Proguanil HCl Content |
adult tablet |
250 mg |
100 mg |
pediatric tablet |
62.5 mg |
25 mg |
Prophylaxis is begun 1-2 days prior to travel to a region with malaria, all during the stay, and for 7 days after return to a region without malaria.
Patient Group |
Body Weight |
Number Pediatric Tablets Daily |
Number Adult Tablets Daily |
pediatric |
< 11 kg |
NA |
NA |
pediatric |
11 - 20 kg |
1 |
0 |
pediatric |
21 - 30 kg |
2 |
0 |
pediatric |
31 - 40 kg |
3 |
0 |
pediatric |
> 40 kg |
0 |
1 |
adult |
NA |
0 |
1 |
Therapy
Patient Group |
Body Weight |
Number Adult Tablets Daily |
Duration of Therapy |
pediatric |
< 11 kg |
NA |
NA |
pediatric |
11 - 20 kg |
1 |
3 days |
pediatric |
21 - 30 kg |
2 |
3 days |
pediatric |
31 - 40 kg |
3 |
3 days |
pediatric |
> 40 kg |
4 |
3 days |
adult |
NA |
4 |
3 days |
Instructions:
(1) Take the tablets at the same time each day.
(2) Take the tablets with food or milk.
(3) If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking the daily dose, a repeat dose should be taken.
(4) If a dose is missed then a daily dose should be taken. The person should return to the previous dosage schedule the next day. A double dose should not be taken.
(5) Antimosquito measures should be taken, including use of bednets, insect repellants and protective clothing.
(6) If discontinued prematurely then alternative prophylaxis or therapy should be instituted.
Contraindications:
(1) creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min
(2) hypersensitivity to atovaquone or proguanil HCl
Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Pharmacology, clinical