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Malarone
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Malarone is a prescription antimalarial medication containing the active ingredients atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride used to prevent and treat Plasmodium falciparum malaria in travellers.
- Combines atovaquone and proguanil to target malaria parasites at multiple stages
- Only requires 7 days of treatment after returning from a high-risk travel area
- Suitable for regions with known resistance to older antimalarials like chloroquine
- Can be taken by adults and children weighing over 40kg for prophylaxis
More information
"Malarone is a trusted antimalarial combination typically prescribed to prevent or treat malaria, a serious infection spread by mosquitoes in tropical regions. By combining two active agents, it effectively disrupts the life cycle of the malaria parasite, providing reliable protection for those travelling to high-risk areas." - Rachael Clarke MRCPharm MFRPSI FRSPH (GPHC Number: 2061366)
You can buy Malarone online through Mail My Meds by completing a simple clinical consultation to ensure the treatment is safe and suitable for your travel needs. Once your consultation is approved by a registered prescriber, your medication is shipped directly from our pharmacy (GPHC Number: 9011560) in discreet packaging. This process provides a convenient way to order Malarone without needing a prior face-to-face appointment with your GP.
The cost of Malarone depends on the length of your trip and the number of tablets required for a full course. While Malarone is often more expensive than alternatives like doxycycline, many travellers find the shorter post-travel dosing schedule provides better value and convenience. At Mail My Meds, we aim to provide competitive pricing for both branded Malarone and its generic equivalents.
We offer a range of reliable delivery services to ensure your malaria tablets arrive well before your departure date. All orders are sent in plain, discreet packaging to maintain your privacy, with tracked options available so you can monitor your parcel's progress to your doorstep.
Malarone is a branded antimalarial medicine used primarily for malaria prophylaxis to prevent infection when visiting countries where malaria is endemic. It is specifically effective against the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which is the most dangerous form of the disease. Beyond prevention, it is also used in higher doses to treat acute, uncomplicated cases of malaria.
The active ingredients in each adult Malarone tablet are 250mg of atovaquone and 100mg of proguanil hydrochloride. These two components work synergistically to stop the malaria parasite from reproducing in the body. Atovaquone interferes with the parasite's energy production, while proguanil inhibits the enzymes the parasite needs to replicate its DNA.
Most users find Malarone to be well-tolerated, particularly because the course is shorter than other antimalarials. While some individuals report mild side effects, many prefer it over other options because it does not typically cause the sun sensitivity associated with some antibiotics or the vivid dreams sometimes reported with mefloquine. Success with the medication is highest when it is taken consistently with food.
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is included in every box of Malarone and contains essential details regarding dosage, ingredients and safety. You should read the PIL thoroughly before starting your course. A digital version is also available via the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) to help you understand how to take the medication correctly.
Malarone works by killing the malaria parasites that enter the bloodstream and liver after an infected mosquito bite. By targeting the parasites at different stages of their life cycle, the combination of atovaquone and proguanil ensures that the infection cannot take hold or spread within the body's red blood cells.
You should take Malarone at the same time every day with a meal or a milky drink to ensure maximum absorption into your system. If you are sick within one hour of taking a tablet, you must take another dose immediately to stay protected. It is vital to complete the entire prescribed course, even if you feel well, to ensure all parasites are cleared.
The standard dosage for malaria prevention in adults is one tablet daily, starting one to two days before entering the malaria-risk area. This daily dose should continue throughout your stay and for exactly seven days after you have left the region. For treating active malaria, the dose is significantly higher and usually involves four tablets taken once daily for three consecutive days.
Common side effects of Malarone may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. Most people find these symptoms are mild and settle as the body adjusts to the medication.
- Headache
- Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick
- Dizziness
- Strange dreams or difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
Malarone may not be suitable for individuals with severe kidney disease or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is important to inform your prescriber of any other medications you are taking, as certain drugs like metoclopramide (for nausea) or specific antibiotics can interact with Malarone. Always use insect repellent and mosquito nets alongside your medication for the best protection.
Malarone is often preferred for shorter trips due to its 7-day post-travel course, whereas alternatives like doxycycline require 28 days of tablets after returning.
| Feature | Malarone | Doxycycline |
|---|---|---|
| Start before travel | 1-2 days | 1-2 days |
| Finish after return | 7 days | 28 days |
| Sun sensitivity | No | Yes |
Can I get Malarone on the NHS?
Malarone is usually not available on a standard NHS prescription for travel purposes and is typically provided as a private prescription. You will need to pay the full cost of the medication, though prices vary between providers.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take your daily tablet, take it as soon as you remember and then continue with your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Is Malarone suitable for children?
Malarone adult tablets are suitable for children weighing over 40kg. For children weighing less than this, a specific "pediatric" strength is required, which contains a lower dose of the active ingredients.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not replace seeking advice from a medical professional. Always consult with a doctor or pharmacist to receive personalised medical advice regarding travel health and antimalarial suitability.
At Mail My Meds, our content is regularly reviewed by our team of medical experts to ensure it remains up to date and accurate. We follow strict clinical guidelines to provide you with the most reliable information for your healthcare journey.

