Brand Name(s): Malarone
Generic Name Atovaquone and Proguanil
What are atovaquone; proguanil tablets?
ATOVAQUONE; PROGUANIL (Malarone®) is an antimalarial agent. Atovaquone; proguanil prevents and treats malaria infections. Generic atovaquone; proguanil tablets are not available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•kidney or liver disease
•stomach or intestinal problems
•an unusual or allergic reaction to atovaquone, proguanil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take atovaquone; proguanil tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You must take atovaquone; proguanil at the same time each day with food or a milky drink. If you vomit within 1 hour after taking, take another dose. If you are taking atovaquone; proguanil to prevent malaria, you should start taking it 1 or 2 days before entering the area, and continue for 7 days after leaving. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For prolonged stays, consult your healthcare provider for proper dosing schedule.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a daily dose, take it as soon as you can and return to your normal dosing schedule. Only take one dose per day. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with atovaquone; proguanil?
•bosentan
•metoclopramide
•rifabutin
•rifampin
•rifapentine
•sulfamethoxazole
•sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim
•tetracycline
•trimethoprim
•zidovudine, ZDV
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking atovaquone; proguanil?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•difficulty breathing or increased shortness of breath
•fever or chills
•severe diarrhea
•skin rash, itching (there may be severe itching without a rash)
•unusual tiredness or weakness
•vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•dizziness
•loss of appetite
•mild diarrhea
•nausea
•stomach pain or upset
What should I watch for while taking atovaquone; proguanil?
If you get a fever during or after you start taking atovaquone; proguanil, do not treat yourself. Contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in a few days. If you are taking atovaquone; proguanil for a long time, visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks. If you notice any changes in your vision see your ophthalmologist for an eye exam.
Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how atovaquone; proguanil affects you.
While in areas where malaria is common, certain steps can be taken to prevent being bit by mosquitos. They include:
1) Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms to reduce human-mosquito contact.
2) Sleep under mosquito netting, preferably one with pyrethrum-containing insecticide.
3) Wear long-sleeved shirts or blouses and long trousers to protect arms and legs.
4) Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET to uncovered areas of skin.
5) Use a pyrethrum-containing flying insect spray to kill mosquitos.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. It is important to keep atovaquone; proguanil out of reach of children; overdose is very dangerous.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:09/15/2004 |
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