Atovaquone/proguanil (Chloroguanide) (By mouth)

Introduction:

Atovaquone (a-TOE-va-kwone), Proguanil Hydrochloride (proe-GWAHN-il hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats and prevents 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 proguanil (chloroguanide), or if you have severe kidney problems.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • It 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.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use 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 in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and 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  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • 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.

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.
  • 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.

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

  • Cough.
  • Headache.
  • Mild skin rash or itching.
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite.
  • Weakness, dizziness.
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