From the Guidelines
Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil) is indicated for the treatment and prevention of uncomplicated malaria, particularly for Plasmodium falciparum, in adults and children, as supported by the most recent guidelines 1. The recommended dosage for treatment varies by weight, with adults typically taking four tablets once daily for three consecutive days, and children's dosages adjusted according to their weight, as outlined in the guidelines 1. Key points to consider when prescribing Malarone include:
- It should be taken with food or a milky drink to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset.
- Common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Malarone is generally well-tolerated but may not be suitable for people with severe kidney problems or certain other medical conditions.
- It's essential to complete the full course as prescribed and to continue taking it for the recommended duration after leaving a malaria-risk area to ensure protection against the disease. The most recent study 1 provides the highest quality evidence for the indication of Malarone, and its recommendations should be prioritized in clinical practice. Some key considerations for the use of Malarone include:
- It is an alternative treatment for uncomplicated malaria in adults, with a recommended dosage of <40 kg: 3 tablets per day for 3 days; >40 kg: 4 tablets per day for 3 days 1.
- Malarone must be taken with a fatty meal or drink, and it is a relatively slow-acting regimen compared to other options 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the prophylaxis of P. falciparum malaria, including in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported. Atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria.
The indication for Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil) is for:
- Prophylaxis of P. falciparum malaria
- Treatment of acute, uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria 2
From the Research
Indication for Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil)
The indication for Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil) is for the:
- Prophylaxis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Treatment of acute, uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum 4, 5, 7
Key Points
- Malarone is a fixed-dose combination tablet of two antimalarial agents, atovaquone and proguanil 3, 4
- The combination of atovaquone and proguanil is synergistic in vitro, and clinical studies demonstrated enhanced efficacy of the combination compared to either drug alone for treatment of malaria 4
- Malarone is highly effective against drug-resistant strains of P. falciparum, and cross-resistance has not been observed between atovaquone and other antimalarial agents 3
- The efficacy for the prevention of P. falciparum malaria was estimated at 100% for atovaquone/proguanil and for mefloquine, and 70% for chloroquine plus proguanil 3
- Malarone is generally well tolerated by both adults and children, with the most common treatment-related adverse events being headache and abdominal pain 3, 4, 5