Malarone & Generic Malarone

What Are Malarone Antimalarial Tablets?

Planning a trip to a malaria-risk destination? Then you've probably already come across the name Malarone. Malarone antimalarial tablets are one of the most widely used options for malaria prevention in the UK, recommended by the NHS for travel to many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Each tablet contains two active ingredients — atovaquone (250 mg) and proguanil hydrochloride (100 mg) — which work together to target the malaria parasite at different stages of its life cycle. You can explore our full range of travel health products to support your trip preparation.

Generic versions of Malarone contain exactly the same active ingredients at the same strengths and are approved by the MHRA as bioequivalent to the branded product. That means you get the same clinical protection, often at a lower cost. Whether you choose branded or generic, the key is starting your course at the right time and taking it consistently.

How Do Malarone Tablets Work Against Malaria?

Malarone works through a dual-action mechanism that targets the Plasmodium parasite — the organism responsible for malaria — at two separate points in its development. This combination approach makes resistance less likely to develop compared with single-agent antimalarials.

• Atovaquone selectively inhibits mitochondrial electron transport in Plasmodium parasites, collapsing the parasite's ability to generate energy and survive.
• Proguanil hydrochloride is converted in the body to cycloguanil, which inhibits dihydrofolate reductase — an enzyme the parasite needs to synthesise folate and replicate its DNA.
• Together, these two mechanisms act synergistically, disrupting both the liver stage (pre-erythrocytic) and the blood stage (erythrocytic) of the parasite's life cycle.
• This causal prophylactic activity means the course can be stopped sooner after leaving a risk area compared with some other antimalarials.

Who Is Malarone Suitable For?

Malarone is suitable for a wide range of travellers, but it isn't right for everyone. Your pharmacist or GP will assess your destination, health history, and any medicines you're already taking before recommending it. Generally, it is appropriate for:

• Adults and children weighing 11 kg or more (paediatric tablets are available for children)
• Short-to-medium duration travel to malaria-endemic regions
• Travellers who cannot tolerate doxycycline or mefloquine
• People who prefer a shorter post-travel course (only 7 days after leaving the risk area)

It is not recommended for people with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min), and caution is needed in those with mild-to-moderate kidney problems. Always disclose your full medical history before starting any antimalarial.

How Does Malarone Compare to Other Antimalarials?

How Should You Store Malarone Tablets?

Store your malarone antimalarial tablets below 25°C in the original packaging, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not store them in a bathroom cabinet where humidity can fluctuate. Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. If you're travelling to a hot climate, keep your tablets in your hand luggage rather than in a bag stored in the hold, where temperatures can vary significantly.

Check the expiry date before you travel. Expired tablets should be returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal — never flush them down the toilet or throw them in household waste. If you're also managing other health needs while travelling, our first aid range has everything you might need on the road.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Malarone and What Is It Used For?

Malarone — and its generic equivalents containing atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride — is an antimalarial medicine used to prevent malaria in people travelling to areas where the disease is present, and to treat uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Malaria is a serious, potentially life-threatening infection transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. The NHS advises that travellers to malaria-risk regions take appropriate antimalarial medication alongside other preventive measures such as insect repellent and protective clothing.

Malarone is particularly effective against P. falciparum, the most dangerous malaria species and the one most commonly encountered in sub-Saharan Africa. It is not licensed for the prevention of Plasmodium vivax malaria, though it may offer some partial protection.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Malarone?

Before starting Malarone, it's important to tell your pharmacist or doctor about your full medical history and any medicines you currently take. Do not use Malarone if any of the following apply to you:

• You are allergic to atovaquone, proguanil hydrochloride, or any other ingredient in the tablet
• You have severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min) — Malarone is contraindicated in this group for prophylaxis
• You are pregnant — use only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk, and only under medical supervision
• You are breastfeeding an infant weighing less than 11 kg
• The child to be treated weighs less than 11 kg (for prophylaxis)

The following medicines may interact with Malarone and reduce its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects:

• Rifampicin or rifabutin — significantly reduce atovaquone plasma levels
• Tetracycline — may reduce atovaquone levels by approximately 40%
• Metoclopramide — reduces bioavailability of atovaquone
• Warfarin and other anticoagulants — Malarone may enhance anticoagulant effect; INR monitoring is advised
• Indinavir — concurrent use may reduce indinavir trough levels

How Should You Use Malarone?

Always take Malarone exactly as directed by your pharmacist or prescriber. Taking it with food or a milky drink improves absorption of atovaquone and reduces the chance of stomach upset. If you vomit within one hour of taking a dose, take another dose as soon as possible.

1. Start taking Malarone one to two days before entering a malaria-risk area.
2. Take one adult tablet (or the appropriate paediatric dose) at the same time each day.
3. Always take with food or a milky drink to improve absorption.
4. Continue taking daily throughout your entire stay in the risk area.
5. Continue for seven full days after leaving the malaria-risk area.
6. Do not stop early, even if you feel well — incomplete courses reduce protection.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Malarone?

Like all medicines, Malarone can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts. If you're also managing travel-related stomach issues, our sickness and nausea range may help with symptom relief alongside your antimalarial course.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Nausea
• Headache
• Abdominal pain or stomach upset
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Vivid or unusual dreams

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Mouth ulcers
• Rash or itching
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Elevated liver enzymes (detected on blood tests)
• Low sodium levels (hyponatraemia)
• Palpitations
• Anxiety or depression (rare)

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction — such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin rash. Serious reactions are rare but require urgent assessment.

How Should You Store Malarone?

Correct storage helps maintain the effectiveness of your tablets throughout your trip. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C in the original blister packaging
• Keep away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture
• Do not store in a bathroom or near a kitchen sink
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
• Return unused or expired tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal — do not flush or bin them

If you're travelling with children and need to manage other health essentials on the go, our vitamins and supplements range includes options to support general wellbeing before and during travel.