Malarone belongs to a broad group of medicines called antimalarials.

It contains in one tablet a mixture of two antimalarial medicines which work well when taken together. One medicine is atovaquone and the other is proguanil hydrochloride.

Malarone is used to prevent or treat the type of malaria infection known as Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Plasmodium falciparum belongs to one particular family of malaria parasites. It affects the blood and liver. Malarone works by killing this parasite.

Malarone is not addictive.

Do not take if:
You must not take Malarone if:

you have ever had an allergic reaction to atovaquone (Wellvone™) or proguanil hydrochloride (Paludrine), or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet (See “Ingredients”).
the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.
the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Tell your doctor if:
You must tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to foods, dyes, preservatives or any other medicines.
in the past Malarone has been ineffective for you.
after taking Malarone, your symptoms of malaria have returned after improving for a time.
you have diarrhoea (loose bowel motions). This may interfere with the absorption of Malarone.
you have kidney problems.
you are taking any medicines containing warfarin, rifampicin, rifabutin, tetracycline, metoclopramide, efavirenz or indinavir.
you are taking any other medicines, including medicines you buy without a prescription.
you are breastfeeding, pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

Malarone Tablets (250/100) contain the active ingredients, atovaquone 250 mg and proguanil hydrochloride 100 mg.

Malarone Junior Tablets (62.5/25) contain the active ingredients, atovaquone 62.5 mg and proguanil hydrochloride 25 mg.

Each tablet also contains hydroxypropylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K30, sodium starch glycollate, macrogol 400, magnesium stearate, macrogol 8000, poloxamer 188 and pink colour concentrate OY-S-24972.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you think you are experiencing any side effects or allergic reactions due to taking Malarone, even if the problem is not listed below.

Like other medicines, Malarone can cause some side effects. If they occur, they are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.

The following side effects have been reported in persons taking Malarone or the active ingredients (atovaquone or proguanil). Most of these have been mild and have not lasted very long:

Loss of appetite, feeling sick (nausea) and/or being sick (vomiting), stomach pain, diarrhoea
Mouth ulcers
Rash or itching
Headache, difficulty in sleeping, vivid or strange dreams and dizziness
Tiredness and loss of energy
Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), yellow discolouration of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) which may be visible as red or purple raised spots on the skin, but can affect other parts of the body
Cough
Fever
Skin rash, which may blister and looks like small targets (central dark spots, surrounded by paler area with a dark ring around the edge (erythema multiforme))
Widespread rash with blisters and peeling skin, particularly occurring around the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)
If you notice any of these symptoms contact a doctor urgently.
Seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations).
Sometimes Malarone is associated with abnormal blood tests of liver function. If this does happen it is most likely a temporary change, as blood tests of liver function become normal after completing the treatment.

Other abnormal blood tests reported with Malarone include:

A reduction in the number of red blood cells (anaemia), white blood cells (neutropenia), or platelets (cells necessary for blood clotting).
An increase in amylase, which is an enzyme produced by the pancreas.
Low sodium (hyponatraemia).
STOP taking Malarone and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following severe allergy symptoms after taking Malarone. Although they are rare, these symptoms could be serious:

Sudden wheezing, tightness of the chest or throat, or difficulty breathing
Swollen eyelids, face, lips, tongue or other part of the body
Widespread rash.
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side effects not yet known.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.