Rebecca Robert, M.D. P.A. FACOG

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Women's Health

Atovaquone/Proguanil Oral Tablet (ATOVAQUONE/PROGUANIL - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • prevent malaria
  • malaria

Brand Name(s): Malarone

Generic Name: Atovaquone/Proguanil HCl

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

Take with food or a milky drink that contains fat.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

If vomiting occurs within 1 hour after taking the medicine, repeat the dose. Contact doctor to see if another medicine to prevent vomiting is needed.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare but very serious medical condition. Please speak with your doctor about symptoms you should look out for while on this medicine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop those symptoms.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

If you drink more than a few alcoholic beverages each day, ask your doctor whether you should be on this medicine.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. This medicine can pass through breast milk to the baby.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • headaches
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain
  • changes in taste or unpleasant taste
  • weakness

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • bleeding or bruising
  • severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
  • fever or chills
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
  • light colored stool
  • severe or persistent vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.