What is the most important information I should know about atovaquone and proguanil?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to
atovaquone or proguanil, or if you
have severe
kidney disease.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, severe
complications from infection with malaria, or uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea.
Take atovaquone and proguanil at the same time each day with food or a milky drink.
If you
vomit within 1 hour after taking this medication, take another dose. If your
vomting continues, call your doctor.
If you are taking this medicine to prevent malaria, start taking it 1 or 2
days before entering an area where malaria is common. Take the medication every day during
your stay and for at least 7 days after you leave.
If you are taking this medicine to treat malaria, take the medication
every day for 3 days in a row.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.
In addition to taking atovaquone and proguanil, use protective clothing, insect repellents,
and mosquito netting around your bed to further prevent mosquito bites that could cause malaria.
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have been exposed to malaria, or if
you have a fever or other symptoms of illness during or after a stay in an area where malaria is
common.
No medication is 100% effective in treating or preventing malaria. For best results, keep
using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if you have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea
during your treatment.
What is atovaquone and proguanil?
Atovaquone and proguanil are medications to treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites.
These medicines work by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of the
human body.
Parasites that cause malaria typically enter the body through the bite of a mosquito.
Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia.
The combination of atovaquone and proguanil is used to treat or prevent malaria.
Atovaquone and proguanil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atovaquone and proguanil?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to atovaquone or proguanil, or if you
have severe kidney disease.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. Atovaquone and proguanil may be harmful to an unborn
baby. Tell your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Malaria is more likely to cause death in a pregnant woman. If you are pregnant, talk
with your doctor about the risks of traveling to areas where malaria is common.
Proguanil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. It is not known
whether atovaquone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Atovaquone and proguanil should not be used to
treat malaria in a
child who weighs less than 11 pounds, and should not be used to prevent malaria in a child who weighs less than 24 pounds.
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