This page is factual information, not an advertisement. It is intended for people who are already using or considering our service and want to read about the treatments a prescriber may discuss with them. It is not a recommendation, and it does not mean any of these treatments is suitable for you. Suitability is decided only after a consultation and clinical assessment.
The condition it is used for
Atovaquone with proguanil is a combination of two medicines taken to prevent malaria for people travelling to areas where malaria is present.
What it is and how it is taken
Atovaquone with proguanil is a prescription-only medicine taken by mouth as a tablet. It is taken as one tablet daily with food or a milky drink at the same time each day, started one or two days before entering the malaria area, continued every day while there, and continued for only seven days after leaving, which is why it is often chosen for shorter trips.
How it is usually used
It is taken daily for the whole time you are at risk and for seven days afterwards. The shorter post-travel course makes it a practical option for shorter journeys. It does not remove the need for insect bite prevention.
More common side effects
The more common side effects are headache, abdominal pain, nausea, mouth ulcers and vivid dreams.
Who it is generally not suitable for
It is generally not suitable for people with severe kidney impairment, and dosing for children is based on weight using a paediatric strength.
Key safety points
- Take it with fatty food or a milky drink, as absorption is poor on an empty stomach.
- If you vomit within an hour of a dose, another dose is usually needed.
- It does not remove the need for insect bite prevention.
- A full review of your health and travel plans is part of the consultation.
Other options
Other medicines and approaches exist for malaria prevention, and which (if any) is suitable for you is decided at your consultation and travel health assessment.
If you experience a side effect from any medicine you can report it through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Want to talk it through?
Whether any treatment is suitable for you is decided at a consultation. Arrange an assessment with our pharmacy team.