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Malarone 250mg/100mg Tablets
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About Malarone 250mg/100mg Tablets

Malarone is one of the newest and best-known treatments to prevent malaria. It is taken daily before, during and after your trip to protect against malaria when travelling to at-risk areas. Malarone malaria prophylaxis tablets can be purchased online quickly and easily from The Independent Pharmacy Online Doctor, saving you money in the process. Don't waste time and money at expensive travel clinics, buy Malarone online today for peace of mind on your trip of a lifetime!

According to the latest statistics, malaria causes over one million deaths every year. It’s important to know the facts about prevention and treatment before you travel to a high-risk part of the world. Malaria is not a virus or a bacterial infection – rather it’s a parasite that multiplies in red blood cells.

Human malaria is caused by four different species of Plasmodium. These are:

  • P. falciparum
  • P. malariae
  • P. ovale
  • P. vivax

Malaria symptoms occur in stages, usually 48-hour cycles. The disease can be spread by animals and humans and is highly infectious. If a person suffering from malaria is not properly treated, they may have recurrences of the disease months later. With the right drugs, people with malaria can be cured and all the malaria parasites can be cleared.

  • Suitable for age:18 years +
  • Consultation required?Yes
    This treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.
Type of medicineAnti-muscarinic
Works byKilling the malaria parasite
Active ingredientAtovaquone, Proguanil Hydrochloride
Effective withinN/A
Pack sizeN/A
Strength100mg of Proguanil Hydrochloride and 250mg of Atovaquone
Common side effectsCoughing, Diarrhoea, Dizziness, Headache, Loss of Appetite, Mouth Sores, Nausea, Stomach Pain, Vomiting, or Weakness
ManufacturerGlaxoSmithKline
GenericNo
Use with alcoholNo known issues

Malarone Information

  • Malarone antimalarial prophylaxis

    Malarone malaria tablets are available to buy from The Independent Pharmacy Online Doctor service following a free consultation, to help prevent malaria. To find out more about malaria and see all the available treatments, see our Malaria page.

    What is Malarone?

    Malarone is a branded antimalarial medication. Malarone pills contain two active ingredients: atovaquone and proguanil. They are used to prevent malaria spread by the bite of mosquitoes encountered in tropical countries whilst travelling.

    Malarone tablets contain two active ingredients: proguanil hydrochloride and atovaquone. It is mainly used to prevent malaria. It is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and is classified as a prescription-only medicine (POM). Malarone is one of the newer treatments for malaria. It is taken once daily, 1-2 days before travel and continuing until 1 week after returning.

    How does Malarone work?

    Each Malarone tablet contains 100mg of proguanil hydrochloride and 250mg of atovaquone. Both of these ingredients are anti-parasitic drugs that are active against the malaria-causing plasmodium parasite. Once the plasmodium parasite enters the bloodstream, it starts to reproduce, causing malaria. Proguanil works by inhibiting the parasite’s ability to reproduce. It does this by blocking the action of an enzyme found inside the parasite. This enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase, is involved in its reproduction. By blocking dihydrofolate reductase, proguanil prevents the formation of any new genetic material forming within the parasite. This means it is unable to reproduce and multiply.

    Atovaquone works in a similar way to proguanil. It inhibits the production of new genetic material from inside the malaria parasite, resulting in the parasite’s inability to reproduce. Both these ingredients work effectively together in a dual attack upon the malaria-causing parasite.

    Malarone dosage instructions

    • As a prophylaxis, the recommended dosage is 1 tablet (250 mg/100 mg) daily, beginning 1-2 days before travel and continued 1 week after your return
    • As a malaria treatment - see your doctor as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of malaria
    • In the event of vomiting within 1 hour of taking Malarone, the dose should be repeated

    Plasmodium falciparum

    Malarone is highly effective against the strains of malaria caused by the plasmodium falciparum parasite. This parasite is responsible for producing the most serious form of malaria called malignant malaria. For areas where the plasmodium falciparum is prevalent, Malarone tablets will usually be the recommended choice of treatment. Malarone may also be ideal for other areas where there is a known resistance to other forms of antimalarial medicines, such as Chloroquine.

    Atovaquone/Proguanil

    Generic Malarone pills are also available in an unbranded form called Atovaquone/Proguanil. These antimalarial tablets are the same as Malarone, but are cheaper due to their unbranded nature.

    Please read the patient information leaflet for side effects and additional information.

    Pharmacist tip: Malarone should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is generally very well tolerated, with only mild intestinal upsets and headaches reported. If side effects are experienced, then taking the tablets with or after a meal may help to relieve them.

    Mosquito bite avoidance

    It’s important to note that even if you’re taking an antimalarial like Malarone or generic Malarone, it’s still important to take steps to prevent mosquito bites. The use of insect repellents, nets and sleeping in a screened room are all highly recommended. It’s also a good idea to wear light-coloured clothing that covers as much of the body as possible.

    Using an insecticide like a plug-in or spray is also an effective means of clearing and deterring those pesky insects. All of the above measures are particularly important after sunset. This is the time when mosquitoes are most active. As with so many things in life, prevention is better than cure. This is certainly true with regard to malaria!

    There are currently no effective non-prescription alternatives for malaria treatment, however, you can take more steps in avoiding being bitten while away by:

    • Using mosquito repellent containing DEET.
    • Using a mosquito net treated with insecticide while you are sleeping.
    • Using a sunscreen designed to help prevent mosquito bites.

    Use only recommended, evidence-based products. There is no evidence that bath oils, electronic buzzers, essential oils, garlic, homoeopathic remedies, odour-baited mosquito traps, tea tree oil, skin moisturisers, smoking, vitamin B tablets or yeast extract will have any effect in preventing mosquito bites.

    Malaria zones

    • Africa and African countries, such as Kenya and Tanzania
    • South and Central America, including Peru, Mexico and the Dominican Republic
    • Some Asian countries, such as India, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam

    If you look at a world map, it is usually the tropical areas in which malaria originates and spreads, since the conditions provide a good breeding ground for mosquitoes.

    Malaria is caused by four different organisms all belonging to a family called plasmodium. The fiercest strain is Plasmodium falciparum, which can cause malignant malaria. Malarone is most effective against the falciparum strain and less effective against the others.

    Malaria can lie dormant and resurface weeks, months or sometimes years after you return from your trip. Always see a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms up to a year after returning from a malaria zone.

    Malarone vs. Doxycycline

    • Malarone is an antimalarial drug – Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic
    • Doxycycline is cheaper than Malarone
    • Both kill the erythrocytic (blood) stages of the malaria parasite – Malarone also kills malaria parasites in the liver stage
    • Malarone should be taken for 7 days after leaving an infected area – Doxycycline must be taken for 4 weeks after
    • Both can lead to side effects of nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain – Doxycycline may also cause photosensitivity, which means your skin will burn much more easily in the sun

    Malarone 250mg/100mg Tablets Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/947/pil

  • Malarone dosage

    Malarone Summary

    • You should take one tablet every day at roughly the same time each day.
    • Malarone needs to be taken 1 – 2 days before entering an area where malaria is present and continued until 7 days after leaving the malaria area.
    • You should take Malarone with or after food or milk
    • Malarone remains effective with a moderate alcohol intake.

    How and when do I take Malarone?

    Malarone is a one-a-day dose that you need to start taking 1-2 days before you travel. It is continued every day during your stay and also for an additional week after you return to a Malaria-free area. For example if you were travelling for 2 weeks you would need 23 tablets. That’s 2 (before you travel) + 14 (during your stay) + 7 (upon your return) = 23 tablets.

    It is important to complete the course as it can take 7 days to ensure any parasites that remain in your blood are effectively killed.

    It is advised to take Malarone with food and drink where possible. This can increase the absorption of Malarone in the body, increasing its effectiveness and possibly reducing side-effects.

  • Malarone ingredients

    Each Malarone tablet contains 100mg of Proguanil Hydrochloride and 250mg of Atovaquone as the active ingredients.

    The other ingredients are:

    Tablet core: poloxamer 188, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, povidone K30, sodium starch glycolate (Type A), magnesium stearate.

    Tablet coating: hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide red (E172), macrogol 400 and polyethylene glycol 8000.

  • Malarone side effects

    If you do experience side effects from Malarone they may include coughing, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, mouth sores, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, or weakness. Malarone has a small risk of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin rash as with all medicines. Please read the Patient Information Leaflet enclosed with your medicine for a full list of side effects.

    If you experience any adverse effects from taking your prescribed medicine it is important to let us know immediately. Please log in to your online account and message one of our healthcare professionals or alternatively call us on 0333 2200 519. In a medical emergency you should contact the emergency services or go straight to your local Accident & Emergency.

  • Malarone warnings

    Unfortunately, Malarone is not 100% effective at preventing malaria, however, it is still very effective if taken properly and combined with bite avoidance methods.

    Remember it is also important to get the correct vaccinations for your trip before you travel. These should be administered around 6 weeks before you leave.

    Remember, malaria can take up to a year to develop after you have been bitten. If you experience symptoms including headaches, night sweats and abdominal pain any time during your trip or up to one year afterwards you must see a doctor as soon as possible.

    Things to be aware of before considering or taking Malarone.

    Malarone isn’t suitable for everyone. Do not take or take if:

    • You are allergic to any of the ingredients
    • You have severe Kidney disease
    • You are pregnant or breastfeeding

    Malarone can also interact with other medicines, it may not be suitable if taking any of the following:

    • Metoclopramide (anti-emetic)
    • Tetracycline, Rifampicin & Rifabutin (antibiotics)
    • Efavirenz (protease inhibitor)
    • Warfarin (anticoagulant)
    • Etoposide (cancer treatment)

    Should you be taking any of the above medications it will be necessary to seek medical advice before deciding upon the most suitable treatment. Please read the Patient Information Leaflet enclosed with your medicines for further information.

Malarone 250mg/100mg Tablets reviews

Malarone 250mg/100mg Tablets FAQs

  • Malarone is a branded anti-malarial medication. Malarone tablets contain two active ingredients, atovaquone and proguanil. They are used to prevent malaria spread by the bite of mosquitoes encountered in tropical countries whilst travelling.

    Zones where malaria is most common:

    • Africa and African countries, such as Kenya and Tanzania
    • South and Central America, including Peru, Mexico and the Dominican Republic
    • Some Asian countries, such as India, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam

    If you look at a world map, it is usually the tropical areas in which malaria originates and spreads, since the conditions provide a good breeding ground for mosquitos.

    Malaria is caused by four different organisms all belonging to the family called plasmodiums. The fiercest strain is Plasmodium falciparum which can cause malignant malaria. Malarone is most effective against the falciparum strain and less effective against the others.

    Malaria can lie dormant and resurface weeks, months or sometimes years after you return from your trip. Always see a Doctor if you have flu-like symptoms up to a year after returning from a malaria zone.

  • Atovaquone and proguanil both interfere with the cell replication of the malaria parasite meaning it cannot replicate in the bloodstream, therefore preventing infection. When used in combination, proguanil makes atovaquone more effective.

  • Malaria is a disease can be caused by four different strains of malaria parasite. There are different treatments depending on the strain that is most common in the area you are traveling in. The appropriate malaria treatment also varies depending on the levels of drug resistance that the malaria parasites in each location have developed.

    To ensure you have chosen the right medication for you trip we recommend you visit the government Fit For Travel website. It is a comprehensive and continually updated site which has the travel information needed to make you trip a safe one.

    Alternatives to Malarone are available, if you decide this isn’t the treatment for you. Other types of malaria prophylaxis include:

    Doxycycline – a tetracycline antibiotic
    Lariam – an antimalarial agent containing mefloquine (linked to strange dreams)
    The RTS vaccine – a recombinant protein-based malaria vaccine that triggers the body's immune system. A potentially good solution for those who are prone to missing or forgetting to take pills

  • For adults 16 years and over who are over 40kg, take one tablet daily. Preferably at the same time each day with food or a milky drink (this helps to prevent most of the common side effects and increases the drug absorption, making the medicine more effective).

    The course needs to be started 1-2 days before travel, taken for the entire length of time you are in the malaria zone and for 7 days after.

    It is important to finish the course and take the 7 tablets after you have exited the malaria zone, even if you have returned home (parasites from an infected bite will need 7 days of treatment to ensure they are killed).

    If you miss a dose, take the tablet when you next remember. If too much time has elapsed, carry on as before. Continue taking one tablet a day until the course has finished. Do not take more than 1 tablet a day.

    A replacement tablet needs to be taken if you are sick within an hour of taking a tablet. Continue taking the course as before until there are no tablets left.

    You can crush the tablet and mix with honey, yoghurt or jam but it must be consumed straight away.

    We understand that calculating how many tablets you may need for your trip can be difficult and confusing. When ordering, enter the amount of time that you are in the malaria zone and we will calculate how many tablets you need (including tablets for before and after your trip).

    No prophylactic antimalarial tablet is 100% effective and it is important to continue to use mosquito nets, DEET-containing insect repellents, and other measures at the same time as the medication to prevent mosquito bites.

  • Malarone is very effective at preventing malaria. To ensure that you minimise your risk of contracting malaria as much as possible, confirm that Malarone is the correct treatment option for your destination, take your tablets regularly and always complete the full course.

    As no preventive treatment is 100% effective, it is still important to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible.

  • Malarone is the newest of the anti-malarial medications that is currently available. It is normally recommended for use in trips to a malaria-risk zone for up to 28 days. There is no evidence of any adverse effects if it is used for longer.

  • The most common side effects of Malarone include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach/abdominal pain. These are experienced by approximately 10% of patents and most can be prevented if the tablets are taken with food or a milky drink.

    Less common side effects that affect fewer than 1% of patients include: fever, cough, dizziness, loss of appetite, rash and difficulty in sleeping. If any side effects become severe you should see a doctor to discuss the risk of not taking your tablets or to chose an alternative anti-malarial.

  • There is no known interaction between Malarone and alcohol. Malarone may you feel dizzy, if this occurs, avoid alcohol consumption, as it will make the dizziness worse.

  • The use of Malarone is not advised before speaking to a doctor if you:

    • Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant in the next 3 months.
    • Weigh less than 40kg (a paediatric version is available for children from your doctor).
    • Have liver or kidney disease.
    • Have an allergy to either of the active ingredients atovaquone and proguanil.
  • Malarone should not be taken with the following medication:

    • Rifampicin and rifabutin (antibiotics used for the treatment of TB).
    • Metoclopramide (anti-sickness medication).
    • Tetracycline (an antibiotic commonly used for acne and other skin conditions).
    • Warfarin and other blood thinning agents.
  • A study to show whether Malarone is harmful to pregnant or breastfeeding mothers has not been carried out. However, there is documented evidence to show that each of the individual active ingredients should not be administered to pregnant and breastfeeding women as they can be harmful to the child.

    We recommend that you speak to you Doctor who will assess the benefits and risks of prescribing the medication to you.

  • Regarding online medication, it is right to be vigilant. Look out for the green cross which can be found at the bottom of any page on our website. It links through to the General Pharmaceutical Council and our registration details; they regulate pharmacy premises and pharmacists in the UK. If it doesn't have a green cross then, you cannot know that what you are buying is genuine. We are also regulated and inspected by the CQC and MHRA to ensure we provide the highest level of care and service to all of our patients. All of our credentials can be found in the footer of every page on our website.

    As long as you are buying Malarone from a reputable online pharmacy then you have nothing to worry about, it is no different from getting them in your local high street chemist. Never buy prescription medicines from unregulated sources, from abroad, or from websites such as Ebay.

  • Ensure you have visited the government’s Fit For Travel website and have checked which anti-malarial treatment is most appropriate for you and your trip as well as any vaccines you may need for the area you will be visiting.

    Select the medication from the list below.

    Enter the amount of time you will be in the malarial zone (all our treatments are complete courses and include the tablets before and after your trip).

    Start the consultation and fill in the short health questionnaire. This will give the Doctor all the information they need to ensure the treatment is safe and effective for you.

    The Doctor reviews the notes and a prescription is produced internally for the pharmacy to dispense and dispatch. This occurs within 24 hours and the status can be followed in your account.

    We will contact you if the Doctor needs some more information and if they believe the requested medication is not appropriate for you, we will give you a full refund.

  • Malarone is a branded medicine and is the newest of all the anti-malarial treatments. It was originally marketed to treat malaria and its patent to prevent malaria was granted in 2001. The patent meant that only one manufacturer could produce it until 2013. This helps to recoup the initial research and development investment.

    When the patent on Malarone expired in 2013, other manufactures were able to produce unbranded versions and the price has dropped. The price of 1 weeks worth of Malarone is £51.90 compared to £37.50 for the unbranded or generic version.

    There is no difference in the active ingredients of the unbranded and branded versions.

  • Malarone is not indicated for all travel destinations, as it is only effective against certain strains of malaria parasite that occur in specific areas in the world. Check the government Fit For Travel website for an up-to-date list of the medication and vaccines recommended for your trip.

  • The type of drugs used to treat malaria depend on how severe the condition has become. There is also the factor of chloroquine resistance to consider, which can be a problem in certain cases. Current treatment options for malaria include chloroquine and quinine.

  • Yellow fever and malaria are both transmitted by mosquitoes, and share similar symptoms, such as fever, aches and nausea. However, they are not caused by the same thing. Malaria is caused by a single-celled parasite of the genus Plasmodium, while yellow fever is the result of a virus.

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