Atovaquone/proguanil

Atovaquone - proguanil ( Malarone ® trade name, Malanil ®) is a prophylactic and therapeutic drug against malaria. It can (such as mefloquine ) can be applied preventively or after infection and the onset of the first symptoms. The combined preparation containing the active ingredients, atovaquone and proguanil.

Proguanil prevents the multiplication. Atovaquone slows certain metabolic processes in the pathogens that are vital for this.

Comparative studies have shown prophylactic use in a significantly better tolerability compared to mefloquine and chloroquine plus proguanil. Common side effects include, inter alia, stomach pain, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In medical research literature on the subject, it is reported in one case each on the Stevens -Johnson syndrome and acute hepatitis after taking atovaquone - proguanil.

The drug is also approved for children from a body weight of 11 kg ( Malarone ® Junior ).

The prophylactic administration of atovaquone - proguanil is both short-term and over longer periods ( > 28 days) is possible.

The drug is subject within the EU, Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein and Norway to medical prescription.