Proguanil hydrochloride & Atovaquone

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About Proguanil hydrochloride & Atovaquone

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Antimalarials.

Malaria is a tropical disease which can be passed on to humans by mosquitoes. Parasites called protozoa live inside the stomachs of female mosquitoes. These parasites can be passed on to humans by a mosquito bite.

Because the pattern of malaria varies with the part of the world you are travelling to, the season and the type of activity you have planned, you should always obtain the latest advice from your doctor, pharmacist or travel organiser. A backpacking trip may well require different preventative measures than a business trip to a city.

This medicine is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Malarone. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Proguanil hydrochloride & Atovaquone

Before taking this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney problems
• if you have had malaria previously
• if you are suffering from sickness and diarrhoea
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Proguanil hydrochloride & Atovaquone

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the printed information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take this medicine immediately after food with water or a milky drink, and at the same time each day.
• If your child has been prescribed the paediatric tablets and can't take them as recommended, the tablets can be crushed and added to food.
• Important: Start this medicine one or two days before entering a malarial area, to ensure you have the required protection.
• You must continue to take this medicine throughout your stay and for 7 days after leaving a malarial area.
• You must complete the course of this medicine. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual times. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose; never take two doses at the same time to compensate. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
• If you vomit (are sick) within an hour of taking this medicine, take another dose and continue as usual.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside this medicine.
• This medicine may cause dizziness, particularly when getting up from a sitting or lying positions. Getting up slowly should help.
• If a malaria-carrying mosquito bites you then you could contract malaria. This medicine helps to prevent malaria developing if you take them properly. If you have diarrhoea or vomiting they may be less effective. You should therefore sleep in properly screened accommodation or, sleep with a mosquito netting around your bed.
• Using an insecticide spray in your room a couple of hours before going to bed will help, paying particular attention to furniture and under the bed where insects can hide.
• Use an insect repellent and wear light coloured clothing that covers most of the body, particularly after sunset as this is when mosquitoes feed.
• If you feel ill or develop a fever while you are travelling or within three months of returning home check with your doctor immediately. It is possible to develop malaria for up to two years after leaving the malarial area. If you develop any fever during that time see your doctor as soon as possible, and tell him you have been in a malarial area.

Can Proguanil hydrochloride & Atovaquone cause problems?

Along with their needed effects, all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick, mouth ulcers and inflamed mouth, diarrhoea, tummy pain, loss of appetite, tiredness, weakness, breathlessness, headaches, dizziness, strange dreams, disturbed sleep, cough, disturbance of sight, itchy rash, hair loss or fever (high temperature).

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Proguanil hydrochloride & Atovaquone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 30/10/2003   

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