What is Atovaquone and Prouanil?
Atovaquone and proguanil are effective combination medications that are used to treat and stop malaria, the disease caused by parasites. These medications are effective by preventing the growth of parasites within the blood vessels in the human body.Malaria-causing parasites usually get into the body via the bite of mosquitoes. Malaria is prevalent in areas like Africa, South America, and Southern Asia.Atovaquone and proguanil could be used for other purposes not covered in this medication guide.
Side effects of Atovaquone and prouanil
Seek medical attention immediately. If you notice symptoms warning signs of an allergic response (hives or breathing difficulties or swelling of your throat or face) or a severe reaction to your skin (fever and sore throat, burnt eyes, irritation, and the skin is red or purple with peeling and blisters),
Atovaquone and proguanil could result in serious side effects. Contact your physician immediately in the following situations:
- Stomach discomfort (upper right) and loss of appetite
- Tiredness, itching;
- Dark urine, stool that is clay-coloured,
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
The most common side-effects associated with proguanil and atovaquone could be:
- Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea;
- Mouth sores;
- Headache, dizziness, weakness;
- Strange dreams;
- Itching
- Cough
These side effects do not constitute an exhaustive list; other reactions could occur. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on the effects. Please report any adverse reactions directly to the FDA by dialing their 800 number, 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar or related drugs
Doxycycline, clindamycin, hydroxychloroquine, Plaquenil, Cleocin, Vibramycin, and Malarone
Warnings
It is not recommended to make use of proguanil and atovaquone to stop malaria in the event that you suffer from serious kidney problems.
Prior to using this drug
This medicine is for you if you're allergic to proguanil or atovaquone.Avoid using atovaquone and proguanil to stop malaria when you suffer from severe kidney disease.Proguanil and atovaquone are not recommended to cure malaria in children with a weight of less than 5 kilogrammes and are not recommended to stop malaria in children who weigh under 24 pounds (11 kg).
Speak to your physician if you have ever suffered from:
- Kidney disease.
It is unclear if this medication could cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.It is more likely to cause the death of a pregnant woman. If you're expecting, discuss with your doctor the dangers of travelling to areas where malaria is prevalent.It might not be safe to breastfeed while taking this medication. Consult your physician regarding any risks.
How do I take Atovaquone and Prouanil?
Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medicine precisely as directed.Use the medicine every day.Use proguanil and atovaquone in conjunction with milk or with food in the event that they cause stomach upsets.If you have diarrhoea within 1 hour of taking this medicine, take a second dose.If you're taking this medication to avoid malaria,
- Start taking the medication about 2 or 3 days before arriving in a place in which malaria is a common occurrence. Keep taking the medicine each throughout your stay and for a minimum of 7 days following your departure from the area.
Make sure to use proguanil and atovaquone regularly to help prevent malaria. If you stop taking the medication too early for any reason, speak to your physician about alternative methods for preventive measures against malaria.
If you are taking this medication to combat malaria:
- You should take the medicine each day for three days.
- Take this medication for the entire prescribed amount of time, even if symptoms do not improve immediately.
Make sure to wear the appropriate clothes, insect repellents, and mosquito nets around your bed to protect yourself from mosquito bites that can cause malaria.Get in touch with your doctor as quickly as you can after having experienced malaria or if you are suffering from vomiting, fever, or diarrhoea after or following a visit to a location where malaria is a common occurrence.There is no medication that is 100 percent effective in preventing or treating all forms of malaria. To get the best results, continue taking the medication according to the instructions.Keep it at room temperature, far from heat and moisture.
Info on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Malaria:
1 g of atovaquone/400 mg proguanil (four adult-sized tablets in one dose) daily, orally for three consecutive days
Usual Adult Dose for Malaria Prophylaxis:
Prophylactic treatment should begin at least 2 days prior to visiting a malaria-endemic region and be continued every day during the duration of the stay and for 7 days following the return.
250 mg atovaquone/100 mg proguanil (one tablet for adults) every day, orally.
Usual Paediatric Dose for Malaria:
less than 5 kilogrammes ABW (actual mass of the body) The safety and effectiveness have not been proven.
5-8 kg 5 to 8 kg of proguanil (2 tablets for children) every day for three consecutive days.
9-10 kg 9 to 10 kg ABW: 187.5 mg atovaquone/75 mg proguanil (3 tablets for children) every day for three consecutive days.
11–20 kg ABW 250 mg atovaquone/100mg proguanil (one adult strength or four tablets for children in a single dose) daily, orally for three consecutive days
21–30 kg ABW 500 mg atovaquone/200 mg proguanil (two adult strength tablets in one dose) every day, orally for three consecutive days
31–40 kg ABW 30–40 kg ABW: 750 mg atovaquone/300mg proguanil (three adult strength tablets in one dose) daily, orally for three consecutive days
Over 40 kg ABW: 1 g of atovaquone/400 mg of proguanil (four adult strength tablets in one dose) every day, orally for three consecutive days
Usual Paediatric Dose for Malaria Prophylaxis:
Prophylactic treatment should begin at least 2 days prior to visiting a malaria-endemic region and be continued every day during the time of stay and up to seven days following returning.
Between 11 and 20 kilogrammes ABW (actual total body mass): 62.5 mg atovaquone/25 mg proguanil (one tablet for children) daily, orally.
21–30 kg ABV: 125 mg atovaquone/50 mg proguanil (two tablets for children in one dose) every day, orally.
31–40 kg AbW: 187.5 mg atovaquone/75 mg proguanil (three tablets for children as one dose) every day, orally.
More than 40kg ABW 250 mg atovaquone/100 mg proguanil (one adult strength tablet) daily, orally
What happens if I miss the dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but avoid any missed doses if it's nearing time to take the next dose. Take only one dose at a time. Doing otherwise could increase the chances of complications.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.Overdose symptoms can include stomach pain and vomiting, mouth sores, the loss of hair, easily bruising or bleeding, and peeling of the skin on your feet or hands.
Aviod this
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding the food or beverage.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your physician about any other medications you are taking, including:
- Metoclopramide;
- Rifabutin;
- Rifampin;
- Tetracycline;
- A blood thinner—warfarin, coumadin, jantoven
This list isn't complete. Other drugs can interact with proguanil and atovaquone, which includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. It is not possible to list all possible interactions between drugs, which are included here.
