Atovaquone/Proguanil
Atovaquone/Proguanil
Atovaquone/Proguanil is a combination medication primarily utilized for treating and preventing malaria in countries where the infection commonly occurs. It contains Atovaquone and Proguanil in strengths of 100 mg and 250 mg. The dosage of Atovaquone/Proguanil is based on the condition, your body’s response to treatment, and the intention of the medication. For personalized guidance and advice, consult a licensed healthcare professional and discuss the risks and gains associated with its use. Interaction with other medications should be discussed with a healthcare provider before use. Buy Atovaquone Proguanil online from the most trusted Canadian pharmacy.
Product Overview
Atovaquone/Proguanil is a combination medication primarily utilized to treat and prevent malaria infections prevalent in certain regions. It contains Atovaquone, an effective antimalarial agent, and Proguanil, which works to enhance its efficacy. Atovaquone disrupts the energy production process within the malaria parasite, while Proguanil inhibits an enzyme crucial for the parasite’s DNA synthesis, targeting both stages of its development.
Available in tablet form, Atovaquone/Proguanil comes in strengths of 100 mg and 250 mg. Adults typically take a daily dose of 250 mg Atovaquone and 100 mg Proguanil for malaria prevention, beginning 1-2 days before entering a malaria-prone area and continuing for 7 days after leaving. The dosage for children is weight-dependent and determined by a healthcare professional. This medication is also employed for malaria treatment, with adults usually prescribed 1 g Atovaquone and 400 mg Proguanil once every day for three consecutive days. Pediatric dosing is adjusted based on weight.
Common side effects of the medication may include diarrhea, cough, dizziness, and nausea, while severe reactions like rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing necessitate immediate medical attention. Precautions should be taken in patients with liver or kidney issues, and it’s vital to maintain consistent dosing schedules. In case of a missed dose, it should be taken promptly, but doubling up should be avoided. Overdosing may lead to severe symptoms, requiring urgent medical intervention. Storage of Atovaquone/Proguanil should be in a cool, dry place away from heat, sunlight, open fire, and moisture, and expired or unused medication should be properly disposed of. Interaction with other medications should be discussed with a healthcare provider before use.
What Are the Uses of Atovaquone/Proguanil?
It is used to:
- Treat and prevent malaria infection in countries where malaria commonly occurs.
What Are the Forms & Strengths of Atovaquone/Proguanil?
Atovaquone/Proguanil comes in the form of a tablet that is taken orally by mouth. It comes in the following strengths:
- 100 mg
- 250 mg
What Is the Recommended Dosage of Atovaquone/Proguanil?
The recommended dosage of atovaquone proguanil tablets for different patients may vary based on age, condition, and other factors. The dosage mentioned below is generalized and if your doctor has recommended you a dose different than the one mentioned below, you should follow the directions given by your doctor and do not make dosage alterations without consulting your doctor as it can cause unwanted side effects. Do not use it more or less than prescribed, in large doses, or more often.
For Preventing Malaria
- Adults- 250 mg of Atovaquone and 100 mg of Proguanil daily.
- You should start taking the dose of Atovaquone/Proguanil 1-2 days before traveling to where malaria commonly occurs and after 7 days of returning.
- Children weighing 11 pounds or more- Dosage is based on the weight and will be determined by your doctor.
- Children weighing less than 11 kg- The safety and efficiency of the medication have not been established in pediatric patients, so a licensed healthcare professional will determine the dose and use.
For Treatment of Malaria
- Adults- 1 g of Atovaquone and 400 mg of Proguanil once daily as a single dose is taken in three consecutive days.
- Children weighing 11 pounds or more- Dosage is based on the weight and will be determined by your doctor.
- Children weighing less than 11 kg- The safety and efficacy of the medication have yet to be established in pediatric patients so that a licensed healthcare professional will determine the dose and use.
[Note: Remember these recommendations may vary depending on person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How to Take Atovaquone/Proguanil?
Before taking atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride tablets, carefully read and follow the directions for use in the patient information leaflet and, if available, the medication guide for safe and efficient use of the medication. If you have any questions or concerns or if you face difficulty understanding any part of the information leaflet, ask them. Use it exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Atovaquone/Proguanil is a combination drug that is taken orally by mouth.
- If you are taking this medication to avoid malaria, you are typically required to take this medication once a day, a couple of days before you travel to a place where malaria commonly occurs. Continue to take the medication while you are in the area and after 7 days of returning.
- If you are taking Atovaquone/Proguanil to treat malaria infection, you are typically required to take it for three consecutive days.
- Take Atovaquone/Proguanil with a meal or milky drink that contains fat.
- Do not take the medication less or more than prescribed or longer than recommended.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet. Swallow it whole because of its bitter taste.
- If you have trouble gulping down the medication, you can crush it, mix it with condensed milk, and take it immediately. Do not keep it for later.
- The dosage of Atovaquone/Proguanil is based on the condition, your body’s response to treatment, and the intention of the medication.
- The dosage for children is based on weight.
- If you vomit within sixty minutes of taking the medication, take the complete dosage again. However, if the vomiting persists or has become bothersome, contact your doctor immediately.
- To prevent an upset stomach, you may take atovaquone 250 mg proguanil 100 mg tablet with food or milk.
- You should continue taking it exactly as prescribed, and you should take it at the same time each day for the prescribed dosage duration to help you remember taking it.
- If needed, you can also take primaquine 14 days before the last week of treatment with Atovaquone and Proguanil or right after you finish treatment.
- You should not stop taking this medication abruptly without consulting your doctor.
- It is essential to take preventive measures against mosquito bites by remaining in air-conditioned or well-screened areas, using mosquito repellents, and using insect-killing sprays and mosquito nets.
- It is noteworthy to mention that no drug treatment is effective in preventing malaria. Get medical help immediately if you develop malaria symptoms. Quick treatment is essential in preventing severe, life-threatening outcomes.
- You should not stop using Atovaquone/Proguanil before completing the full prescribed dose, unless instructed otherwise by a licensed healthcare professional as skipping or making dosage alterations without talking to your doctor can cause the treatment to be ineffective. This can cause the infection more difficult to treat, making the parasite to increase, or worsen side effects.
- When using Atovaquone and Proguanil for treatment, let your doctor know if your condition does not improve or worsens.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Atovaquone/Proguanil Work?
Atovaquone and Proguanil are antimalarial medications that work together to prevent and treat malaria. Atovaquone is a hydroxynaphthoquinone, similar in structure to ubiquinone, a molecule involved in cellular energy production. It selectively inhibits the malarial cytochrome bc1 complex within the parasite’s electron transport chain. Doing so collapses the mitochondrial membrane potential, disrupting the parasite’s energy production. Proguanil is metabolized in the body to its active form, cycloguanil, which inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, disrupting the synthesis of deoxythymidylate (a building block for DNA). Proguanil and cycloguanil together affect both the erythrocytic (within red blood cells) and exoerythrocytic (outside red blood cells) stages of malaria parasite development.
Important Safety Information for Using Atovaquone/Proguanil
What Are the Side Effects of Atovaquone/Proguanil?
Common side effects of Atovaquone/Proguanil: Similar to other medications, atovaquone proguanil tablets can cause certain side effects in some users. Usually, these side effects are temporary, and not everyone using it will experience them. They disappear by themselves in a couple of days/weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you are concerned about the risks and benefits of Atovaquone/Proguanil, you should talk to your doctor beforehand and discuss with them the risks and how you can prevent and manage them. Some of the common side effects of Atovaquone/Proguanil include:
- Cough: If you experience persistent or severe cough while using Atovaquone/Proguanil, you should consult your doctor.
- Diarrhea: This medication can irritate the lining of your stomach and affect the digestive system, leading to frequent watery or loose bowel movements. If you experience a severe or persistent diarrhea, you should talk to your doctor and discuss ways to manage this side effect with them.
- Dizziness: You may feel dizzy or lightheaded while using this medication, possibly due to the body’s reaction to Atovaquone/Proguanil.
- Headache: Headaches are a common side effect of Atovaquone/Proguanil and can range from mild to severe. However, if they persist or become serious, talk to your doctor. They will suggest ways to manage them, and if they still do not disappear, they may suggest an alternative treatment.
- Loss of appetite: This medication can sometimes cause a decrease in hunger, leading to reduced appetite. If you have severely decreased appetite, you should talk to your doctor.
- Mouth sores: While you use this medication, it is possible that you may develop sores or ulcers in your mouth, which make eating and drinking uncomfortable.
- Nausea: While using this medication, you may have a feeling of sickness or urge to vomit. This is often related to the medication’s effect on this medication. Talk to your doctor if this feeling does not disappear within a few days.
- Stomach pain: This is another common side effect of Atovaquone/Proguanil which may be accompanied by other gastrointestinal issues.
- Vomiting: If you have severe vomiting, you should contact your healthcare provider and discuss with them the ways to manage it. Your doctor may also recommend you to intake plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Let your doctor know if your condition worsens or persists. You should also report any new or worsening side effects to your doctor. It is also important to mention that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other side effects of Atovaquone/Proguanil. Your doctor has prescribed you this medication after determining that the risks of Atovaquone/Proguanil are outweighed by its benefits.
Adverse side effects of Atovaquone/Proguanil: Rarely can atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride tablets cause severe side effects in some people who use them to prevent and treat malaria. Not everyone using it has these side effects. These symptoms require prompt medical assistance and can become serious if left untreated. You should immediately discontinue using the medication and call your doctor or 911 if you experience any of the side effects given below. This includes:
- Severe allergic reaction: If you have ever had a hypersensitivity reaction to atovaquone/proguanil or any of its excipients, you should avoid using it. atovaquone/proguanil serious may contain certain inactive ingredients which may lead to unwanted side effects or other problems. You should immediately discontinue using the medication and get in touch with your doctor if you have serious allergic reaction symptoms like hives, rash, wheezing, trouble swallowing, tightness in the chest or throat, and swelling under the skin.
- Liver problems: Patients using atovaquone/proguanil may experience signs of liver problems such as unusual weakness or tiredness, dark urine, reduced appetite, upset stomach, abdominal pain, nausea, yellow skin or eyes, and light-colored stools.
- Severe skin reaction: This includes Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Its symptoms may include red, swollen, peeling, or blistered skin, irritation or redness in the eyes, or sores in the throat, nose, eyes, or mouth.
- Neurological issues: Users may experience neurological issues, including convulsions, seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there.
- Other serious symptoms: Sudden loss of consciousness, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular problems, unusual tiredness or weakness, severe sunburn.
[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Are There Any Warnings for Atovaquone/Proguanil?
There are certain warnings associated with the use of Atovaquone/Proguanil that you should consider while using it for prevention and treatment, such as avoiding it if you are allergic to any of its excipients. Other key points of the warning include:
- Administering this medication does not completely cure malaria or prevent future attacks of certain types of the disease. It’s not suitable for severe cases, like cerebral malaria, or when the infection is very serious.
- Using this medication for prevention can cause liver issues, so it’s important to monitor liver function closely, especially in patients with existing liver problems. The medication may not be fully absorbed if a patient has diarrhea or is vomiting, so it’s crucial to monitor this and consider using medication to control vomiting. In severe cases, a different antimalarial may be needed.
- Using this medication alone may not completely get rid of the malaria parasite in the case of certain types of the disease. If the infection returns after treatment or prevention, a different medication should be used.
- Prevention of malaria involves more than just taking medication. It also includes wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under bednets.
- No medication can guarantee 100% protection against malaria, so if someone develops a fever while taking this medication, they should seek medical help.
- In patients weighing over 100 kilograms, there’s a risk of treatment failure, so they need to be closely monitored.
- Pregnant women have a greater risk of complications from malaria, especially from certain types of the disease. They should discuss the risks and benefits of travel with a healthcare provider, and if travel is required, take extra precautions, such as wearing protective clothing.
What Are the Atovaquone/Proguanil Precautions?
There are certain precautions you should take before you buy Atovaquone Proguanil online for malaria. You should let your doctor know about all the medicines you are currently taking or plan to use alongside Atovaquone/Proguanil. You should also share your personal and family medical history with your doctor to help them make an informed decision whether or not to prescribe you this medication. Other precautions include:
- Before taking Atovaquone/Proguanil, let your doctor know if you are allergic to either of the two medicines or any other allergies. This drug may also contain inactive ingredients that can cause severe allergic reactions or other side effects. Consult your pharmacist or physician for more information.
- Before using this medication, share your complete medical history with your doctor, especially if you have the following conditions:
- Diarrhea
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Mental/mood problems
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- This medication can make you feel dizzy. You should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or indulge in activities that require attention and clear vision.
- Limit your alcohol consumption while you are taking this medication. Talk to your doctor if you are using cannabis.
- If you are planning to have surgery, let your doctor know about all medications you are using. This includes all prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements.
- This medication should only be used during pregnancy when it is clearly required, and the benefits outweigh the risks.
- It is unknown whether Atovaquone/Proguanil passes into breast milk. Proguanil passes into breast milk. However, it is known how it affects the nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
What Are the Contraindications of Atovaquone/Proguanil?
Atovaquone 250 mg proguanil 100 mg tablet is contraindicated for use in patients with:
- Known hypersensitivity reactions to any of the ingredients in the medication
- Severe renal impairment
- Weight limitations for children
What If You Miss a Dose of Atovaquone/Proguanil?
To get the best results from atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride tablets, it is crucial to maintain consistency and take them around the same time each day to help you remember taking it.
- If you missed a dose of Atovaquone/Proguanil, take it as soon as you remember.
- However, if it is almost time to take your next dose, you can omit the missed dose and continue as per your regular dosing schedule.
- Do not take an extra or double dose of the same medication to compensate for the missed dose.
- To avoid missing doses, you can set a reminder on your phone.
[Note: If you have missed a medication dose and are still determining when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much of Atovaquone/Proguanil?
You should not take Atovaquone/Proguanil more than the recommended dose or for longer than prescribed, as it can lead to unwelcome side effects. If someone has overdosed on the medication and is having severe symptoms such as seizures, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, and inability to wake up, you should seek immediate medical help. You can call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. Symptoms of an overdose may include:
- Canker sores
- Cracked, dry skin on palms of hands or bottom of feet
- Grey-bluish color of lips and/or skin
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Rash
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help immediately or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How to Store Atovaquone/Proguanil?
Atovaquone/Proguanil requires careful storage to preserve its chemical properties and prevent the degradation of its active ingredients. You should store it at room temperature, away from extreme temperatures and humidity. Other important points of the storage guidelines include:
- Keep Atovaquone/Proguanil in its original container, tightly closed at a controlled room temperature, away from direct sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and open flame.
- Do not keep your medication in the bathroom.
- Keep all medications, including Atovaquone/Proguanil, in a safe place, away from the sight and reach of children and pets.
- Do not keep medications that are outdated or no longer needed. Dispose of them safely.
- Discard the unwanted medications in such a way that young children, animals, and other people cannot consume them.
- Do not throw the medications in wastewater or household garbage bins.
- Do not flush the medication unless instructed to do so.
- Do not pour the medication into the drain.
- The best way to get rid of unwanted medication is through a medicine take-back program.
- Call your healthcare provider or local waste disposal company to learn more about the best ways to eliminate unwanted medications.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional the proper disposal of unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Medications Interact with Atovaquone/Proguanil?
Certain medications may interact with atovaquone proguanil tablets and affect how it may work or cause unwanted side effects. To prevent and manage potential drug interactions, you should talk to your doctor and tell them about all the medications you are currently taking or plan to take, including all prescription, nonprescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and vitamin supplements. Drug interactions include:
- Bupivacaine implant
- Bupropion
- Carbamazepine
- Cholera Vaccine, Live
- Dicumarol
- Efavirenz
- Fedratinib
- Fluconazole
- Ibuprofen
- Indinavir
- Levoketoconazole
- Mavacamten
- Metoclopramide intranasal
- Metoprolol Succinate ER
- Metoclopramide intranasal
- Methotrexate
- Nirogacestat
- Pregabalin
- Quizartinib
- Rifabutin
- Rifampin
- Ritonavir
- Sapropterin
- Tadalafil
- Typhoid Vaccine, Live
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin C
- Warfarin
- Zofran
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Atovaquone/Proguanil. Tell your doctor any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
What Are the Other Interactions of Atovaquone/Proguanil?
Apart from medications, certain herbs, supplements, food items, and beverages may interact with Atovaquone/Proguanil and cause unwanted side effects or other problems. To prevent these interactions, your doctor is most likely to advise you to make certain dietary & lifestyle changes. There are two disease interactions with this medication, namely:
-
- Gastrointestinal absorption: Atovaquone is absorbed better when taken with food. People with eating problems or diarrhea may not absorb it well, risking low drug levels. For these cases, a different method of treatment may be needed.
- Liver disease: Atovaquone can raise liver enzyme levels in some patients. Be careful using it in people with serious liver issues. Regular liver tests are important, and treatment should stop if there are significant increases in enzymes.
What Are the Atovaquone/Proguanil Alternatives?
While Atovaquone/Proguanil is an effective medication in treating and preventing malaria, it may not be suitable for everyone. In such cases, people look for alternatives to Atovaquone/Proguanil. While there are many effective alternative medications available on the market, you should not use them without consulting your doctor. Based on your condition, needs, and other factors, they will help you decide the medication that works the best for you.
- Mefloquine (mefloquine hydrochloride)
- Chloroquine (chloroquine phosphate)
- Hydroxychloroquine (hydroxychloroquine sulfate)
- Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)
- Vibramycin
- Doxy 100
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Atovaquone/Proguanil Cost & Coupons
The cost of Atovaquone/Proguanil can vary depending on factors such as health insurance coverage, pharmacy choice, and location. Some Americans may find that their insurance does not fully cover this medication, resulting in significant out-of-pocket expenses. To make the drug more affordable, some patients turn to sites like Polar Bear Meds, where you can obtain medications such as Atovaquone/Proguanil at a fraction of U.S. prices. This website also allows you to obtain medications from the convenience of your home with fast doorstep delivery. First-time customers can avail the code WELCOMEPB10 to become eligible for an additional 10% discount on their first order, providing an added benefit for those looking to manage their prescription expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to take Atovaquone/Proguanil?
The best time to take atovaquone 250 mg proguanil 100 mg tablet is to use it at the same time every day, preferably with food or milky drink to reduce the risk of stomach upset. For prevention of malaria, you should start using the medication one to two days before entering the malaria-prone area and continue daily during your stay and for seven days after returning from such area. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully for a safe and efficient use of the medication.
Can Atovaquone/Proguanil be used to prevent malaria in all regions?
Atovaquone/Proguanil effectively prevents malaria in areas where the infection is common. However, its safety and efficacy may vary depending on the specific region and strain of malaria present. Call your healthcare provider for personalized advice before travel.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Atovaquone/Proguanil?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time to take your next dose, omit the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take an extra or double dose to catch up. For further guidance and advice, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Atovaquone/Proguanil?
Atovaquone/Proguanil should be taken with a meal or milky drink containing fat for optimal absorption. Prevent grapefruit juice as it may interact with the medication. Otherwise, no specific dietary restrictions are typically required, but discuss any queries or concerns with your healthcare provider.
Can Atovaquone/Proguanil be safely used during pregnancy?
Atovaquone/Proguanil should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and if the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Pregnant women should discuss their travel plans and malaria prevention strategies with a healthcare provider to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
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