Sign inBefore taking proguanil
Before taking proguanil make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have kidney problems.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take proguanil
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Proguanil should ideally be taken for a week before entering a malarial area to ensure there is sufficient medicine in the bloodstream to give you the required protection. (At least two days before entering a malarial area is the minimum length of time). You must continue to take proguanil throughout your stay and for four weeks after leaving the malaria zone.
- Proguanil is taken once daily and should be taken with a drink of water just after a meal, and at the same time each day.
- For children, the dose of proguanil can be crushed and mixed with milk, jam or honey just before taking.
- You must complete the course of this preparation. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If a malaria-carrying mosquito bites you then you could contract malaria. These tablets help to prevent malaria developing if you take them properly, but it is also important that you take take the precautions below against being bitten by mosquitoes. This is especially important if you have diarrhoea or vomiting which can mean that the tablets may be less effective.
- You should sleep in properly screened accommodation or with mosquito netting around your bed.
- Use an insecticide spray in your room a couple of hours before going to bed and pay 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 or flu-like symptoms while you are travelling or within 1 year of returning home, check with your doctor immediately. This is especially important if the illness is within three months of your return.
- If you take any medicines to reduce stomach acid (antacids), these must not be take within 2-3 hours of taking proguanil.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with proguanil.
Can proguanil cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often and stick to simple foods |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day |
| Mouth ulcers and inflammation | Avoid citrus fruit/drink and take extra care while brushing teeth. Ask a pharmacist to recommend a relieving gel |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store proguanil
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Paludrine Tablets, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2008, accessed May 2009.
- British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.