Malarone
Malarone Medication for Malaria
What is Malarone?
Malarone is a brand name for a medication used to prevent and treat malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease.
Malarone is commonly prescribed for individuals traveling to regions where malaria is prevalent. It is also used as a treatment for uncomplicated cases of malaria caused by specific species of the parasite.
Malarone Adult and Malarone Jr are two different formulations of the same medication, intended for different age groups. The active ingredients in both Malarone Adult and Malarone Jr are the same: atovaquone and proguanil. However, the dosage of these ingredients is adjusted to provide the appropriate amount for different age groups.
Malarone Adult: This formulation is designed for adults and children weighing 40 kilograms (kg) (approximately 88 pounds) or more. Each tablet of Malarone Adult contains 250 milligrams (mg) of atovaquone and 100 mg of proguanil.
Malarone Jr: This formulation is specifically formulated for children who weigh between 11 kilograms (approximately 24 pounds) and 40 kilograms (approximately 88 pounds). The dosage of atovaquone and proguanil in Malarone Jr is adjusted to suit the weight of the child. Each Malarone Jr tablet contains 62.5 mg of atovaquone and 25 mg of proguanil.
It’s important to note that Malarone Jr is specifically intended for children within a certain weight range, while Malarone Adult is suitable for individuals weighing 40 kg or more, including adults and older children. The choice between Malarone Adult and Malarone Jr depends on the age and weight of the individual, and it is crucial to follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by a healthcare professional or the product packaging.
Is Malarone Safe?
Malarone is one of several medications used for the treatment and prevention of malaria. It is commonly prescribed and widely recommended by healthcare professionals for its effectiveness against certain strains of malaria parasites. However, it is important to consult with a Rockdoc Travel Medicine Professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan, as the choice of medication depends on various factors such as the type of malaria parasite, the geographic location, and the individual’s medical history.
While Malarone is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, there are certain individuals who should not take this medication or should use it with caution. Here are some considerations:
- Allergies or Hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to atovaquone, proguanil, or any of the other ingredients in Malarone should avoid taking this medication.
- Severe Renal Impairment: Malarone is metabolized primarily in the liver and eliminated through the kidneys. Individuals with severe renal impairment (e.g., end-stage renal disease) may require dose adjustments or alternative treatment options. Close monitoring is necessary in such cases.
- Hepatic Impairment: Although Malarone is primarily metabolized in the liver, there is no significant evidence to suggest that dosage adjustments are required for individuals with hepatic impairment. However, caution should be exercised, and liver function may be monitored during treatment.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Malarone in pregnancy is not fully established. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to weigh the potential risks and benefits before using Malarone during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Pediatric Use: Malarone can be used in children weighing at least 11 kg (24 lbs) for the treatment and prevention of malaria. However, appropriate dosage adjustments should be made based on the child’s weight and age. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper guidance.
- Interactions: Malarone may interact with certain medications, such as rifampin, rifabutin, tetracyclines, antacids containing aluminum and magnesium, and certain anti-seizure medications. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to ensure there are no potential interactions.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other individual factors or medical conditions that could impact the use of Malarone.
Connect with your Rockdoc Travel Medicine Professional here to book a consultation to discuss your trip and obtain the prescription and vaccinations to travel with peace of mind.
We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.
Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Malaria is prevalent in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Oceania.
Prevention of Malaria
Preventing malaria is crucial for travelers visiting endemic areas. Key preventive measures include:
- Antimalarial Medications: Travelers should consult a Rockdoc Travel Medicine Professional to obtain the most suitable antimalarial medication based on their destination and medical history. These medications are taken before, during, and after the trip to prevent infection and should be taken as prescribed
- Using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or other recommended ingredients on exposed skin
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin
- Sleeping in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms, or using bed nets treated with insecticides
It’s important to note that while preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of malaria, no method is 100% effective. Therefore, it is essential to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if any symptoms develop, even after taking preventive measures.
Available travel vaccinations and medications
We offer the following travel vaccinations and medications:
- Tick-borne Encephalitis
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