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Malarone

FAQ's about Malarone and Malaria

Malarone is an antimalarial licensed drug that was officially released in UK in 2001. Malarone Antimalarial has been shown to be effective in the prevention and cure of malaria. Side effects which may result from Malarone Antimalarial are found to be in the form of headaches and stomach irritation; however, these can easily be treated by ensuring that at the time of taking the drug you are not consuming any food or drink containing milk. Malarone has a simple dose regime that consists of 1 tablet per day. This regime should start 1 or 2 days prior to arriving at the malaria prone area, and for 7 days after leaving the area. Following this plan of using Malarone makes it a choice prescription for for people going on short holidays or last minute trips. Following is a compilation of questions and answer to help better outline Malarone and its qualities.

What is the incubation period for malaria?

Symptoms from malaria usually begin from 7 days to 30 days after the bite from an infected mosquito.

What are the symptoms of malaria?

Symptoms of malaria include fever and flu-like illness, including shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea may also occur. Malaria may cause anaemia and jaundice (yellow colouring of the skin and eyes) because of the loss of red blood cells.

What are the risks associated with malaria?

Infection with Plasmodium falciparum, if not promptly treated, may cause severe anemia, kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, coma, and death. P. falciparum malaria carries a higher risk of death and serious complications in pregnant women than in the general population. Pregnant women anticipating travel to malarious areas should discuss the risks and benefits of such travel with their physicians.

What is the geographical distribution of malaria?

It is mainly transmitted in warmer regions closer to the equator such as Africa (south of the Sahara), Asia, and Latin America.

How can patients reduce the risk of contracting malaria?

Patients who travel regularly to malaria endemic areas should take precautions to prevent getting malaria. Prevention is an important component of malaria control in endemic countries. This can be achieved by using antimalarial drugs prophylactically and taking personal protection measures.

How effective is Malarone?

Malarone is 98% effective in the prevention of P. falciparum malaria however, no chemoprophylactic regimen is 100% effective. Patients should seek medical attention for any febrile illness that occurs during or after return from a malaria-endemic area; and to inform the health care professional of possible exposure to malaria

Are there any adverse reactions associated with Malarone?

For prophylaxis: In adults, the most commonly reported adverse events possibly attributable to Malarone versus placebo were headache (5% vs. 7%) and abdominal pain (3% vs. 5%); in pediatric patients, headache (14% vs. 14%), abdominal pain (31% vs. 29%), and vomiting (7% vs. 6%).

Malarone is contraindicated for prevention of P. falciparum malaria in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance).

Malarone is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to atovaquone or proguanil HCl or any component of the formulation. Rare cases of anaphylaxis following treatment with Malarone have been reported.

Are there any drug interactions when using Malarone?

Concomitant treatment with tetracycline has been associated with approximately 40% reduction in plasma concentration of atovaquone.

Concomitant treatment with metoclopramide has been associated with decreased bio availability of atovaquone. Concomitant administration with rifampin or rifabutin is known to reduce atovaquone levels by approximately 50% and 34% respectively

What is the dosing regimen for Malarone?

For adults using Malarone for malaria prevention, the recommended dosage is 1 tablet daily, starting 1 or 2 days prior to entering a malaria-endemic area, 1 tablet a day while in the area and 1 tablet a day for only 7 days after return. For children who weigh 88 pounds or less, a lower-dose paediatric tablet is available.

How is Malarone administered?

Patients are instructed to:

  • To take Malarone tablets at the same time each day with food or a milky drink
  • To take a repeat dose of Malarone if vomiting occurs within 1 hour after dosing
  • To take a dose as soon as possible if a dose is missed, then return to their normal dosing. If a dose is skipped, the patient should not double the next dose.
  • To consult a health care professional regarding alternative forms of prophylaxis if prophylaxis with Malarone is prematurely discontinued for any reason.

Does Malarone require special storage or handling?

Malarone should be stored at room temperature of 77° F (25° C). Excursion storage is permitted from 59° F - 86° F (15° C to 30° C).