Atovaquone/Chloroguanide (Proguanil) (By Mouth)

Atovaquone (a-TOE-va-kwone), Chloroguanide (klor-oh-GWA-nide)

Prevents and treats malaria.

Brand Name(s):

Malarone, Malarone Pediatric
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to atovaquone or chloroguanide, or if you have severe kidney disease.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk, and at the same time every day.
• If you vomit within 1 hour after taking this medicine, take another dose.
• 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.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment.
• Throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

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

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea or vomiting. You may need to take another medicine to control these problems. Tell your doctor if the diarrhea or vomiting continues even with the other medicine.
• You may still catch malaria while taking this medicine. If you become ill or have a fever, call your doctor.
• You can help prevent malaria by keeping your skin covered with clothing and using bug spray and mosquito netting.
• If your symptoms come back, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these 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

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Mild itching
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite
• Weakness, dizziness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.