Malarone - Anti Malaria Tablets
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Malarone 250mg/100mg Tablets
Malarone is a branded antimalarial medication used to prevent malaria in areas where there is resistance to other antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine. Malarone contains two active ingredients: atovaquone and proguanil.
These work in conjunction to kill the parasite infection before it can cause malaria. Malarone treatment should be started before entering the endemic area and continued during your trip.
What Malarone is used for?
Malarone has two uses:
- to prevent malaria
- to treat malaria
How Malarone tablets work to treat malaria?
Each Malarone tablet contains two anti-parasitic drugs, proguanil and atovaquone, that work together to stop the malaria-causing Plasmodium parasite from reproducing.
Proguanil (100mg per tablet) blocks an enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase, which is essential for the parasite to make new genetic material (DNA). This prevents it from multiplying.
Atovaquone: (250mg per tablet), it inhibits the production of a different molecule needed for the parasite's energy production. This further cripples its ability to reproduce.
Dual effect: The combined action of proguanil and atovaquone effectively blocks the parasite's reproduction cycle, preventing malaria infection.
How to take Malarone to prevent malaria?
Starting and Duration:
Begin: 1-2 days before entering a malaria-prone area.
Take daily: Throughout your trip and for 7 days after leaving.
Dosage and Timing
- 1 tablet (250mg/100mg) daily.
- Same time each day: Consistency aids absorption and minimizes side effects.
- With food or a milky drink: Improves absorption and reduces gut issues.
Completing the Course
Finish the entire prescribed course: This ensures parasite clearance.
It takes 7 days: To eliminate any potential parasites from mosquito bites.
Missed Dose
- Take the next dose as soon as remembered.
- Continue as usual: Don't double up to compensate.
Malarone dosage for treating malaria:
Adults: 4 tablets once a day for 3 days.
Kids:
- 11-20 kg: 1 tablet once a day for 3 days.
- 21-30 kg: 2 tablets once a day for 3 days.
- 31-40 kg: 3 tablets once a day for 3 days.
- Over 40 kg: Same as adults (4 tablets).
- Refer to the patient leaflet for full instruction.
How effective is it?
High Efficacy:
Over 90% effective: Malarone provides excellent protection against the most dangerous form of malaria, P. falciparum, in travelers.
Broad spectrum: It also offers protection against other malaria strains like P. vivax and P. malariae.
Patient Information Leaflet (from EMC): https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/947/pil
Malarone Specification
You can get more information about travelling and Malaria at: NHS UK
Frequently asked questions
Malarone only needs to be taken for 1 week after leaving the malaria area and has fewer side effects than doxycycline. Doxycycline needs to be taken for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria area; however, it is cheaper than Malarone.
Doxycycline decreases the efficacy of the contraceptive pill, so this is not recommended for women on the contraceptive pill. The choice of antimalarial treatment depends on your preferences.
Buy branded Malarone 250mg/100mg (GSK Brand) tablets online at the lowest price from £24.95. Complete an online assessment as part of your order.
This helps our prescriber ensure it is safe and suitable for you. If approved, our pharmacy team will prepare and send your medication to your provided address.
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that can be serious, even deadly. It's most common in tropical and subtropical regions, like: Southern Asia, Africa, and South America have high rates of malaria transmission.
Check the specific country and travel season risk before going. Consult the NHS Fit for Travel website or consult a travel medicine professional for more advice.
People who once lived in malaria zones can lose immunity over time, making them vulnerable again. Children and pregnant/breastfeeding women are at higher risk of severe or fatal malaria.
Symptoms: See a doctor immediately if you experience flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, etc.) up to a year after travel to a malaria-risk area.
- Allergic to atovaquone or proguanil (components of Malarone)
- Severe kidney problems
- Pregnant or breastfeeding (unless doctor advises otherwise)
Children under 3 years old - Those with uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea
Always consult a doctor before taking Malarone to discuss potential risks and interactions with other medications.
- The duration of your trip to a malaria-prone area: You should continue taking Malarone for 7 days after you leave the malaria zone.
- Whether you took the medication before your trip: If you started taking Malarone 1-2 days before entering the malaria zone, you can generally stop 7 days after leaving. However, if you started later than that, the recommended stopping time might be different.
- Your specific dosage and any potential interactions with other medications: depending on your individual circumstances, your doctor might advise a different stopping time.
Therefore, it's important to follow the personalised instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist about when to stop taking Malarone. They will consider all the relevant factors and provide the safest and most effective guidance for your specific situation.
Malarone: A popular choice for antimalarial drugs, with a short and simple dosage regimen than other options. This makes it especially suitable for short trips, but always talk to your doctor first!
Malarone works effectively:
Malarone works effectively:
- Stopping malaria bugs before they cause trouble
- Just one tablet a day, even without food
- Generally well-tolerated, unlike some other options
- Starts protecting you quickly
- Works against many malaria types
- Perfect for last-minute trips, as you only need to take it for 7 days after returning.
Choosing between branded Malarone and generic atovaquone/proguanil largely comes down to personal preference and cost. Both options contain the same active ingredients and are equally effective in preventing malaria.
- Generic: Significantly cheaper than branded Malarone.
- Branded: May be preferred by some patients due to familiarity or perceived quality.
- Both: Same active ingredients and effectiveness in preventing malaria.
Malarone and atovaquone/proguanil: Not available on the NHS and need to be purchased privately.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Consider factors like cost, personal experience with each product and any potential interactions with other medications you're taking. If you're unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.