Authored: 12/03/2023
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Malarone
Overview
Malarone is an effective antimalarial medication for travellers to certain malarial zones. Check with Travel Health Pro for which malaria medication you need.
- Anti-malaria tablet
- Take 1-2 days before entering a malarial zone
- Take each day you are in the malarial zone
- Continue for 7 days after leaving the malarial zone
PLEASE NOTE - A SEPARATE ORDER MUST BE PLACED FOR EACH PATIENT TRAVELLING, FOR PRESCRIPTION PURPOSES.
Overview
Order Malarone or Generic Online
You can buy Malarone online with Simple Online Pharmacy for your trip abroad. Whether you are on Safari in Africa, island hopping through Indonesia or seeing India's rural wonders, malaria is a threat that should be taken seriously.
You can order Malarone or generic Malarone tablets through our registered online doctor service. After completing the online consultation, our doctor will review your assessment and prescribe the selected medication where appropriate. Our pharmacy will then dispense and dispatch your prescription to your door.
What Is Malarone?
Malarone is an antimalarial medicine primarily used to prevent or treat malaria. Malaria is caused by an infected mosquito biting a person. This bite can then pass on the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum into the blood. Entering a malaria area without the necessary precautions can be dangerous - in 2019 malaria claimed over 400,000 lives worldwide.
Malarone is the original branded version of the combination medication, atovaquone, and proguanil hydrochloride. The original patent for the brand has now expired, which means there are now less expensive versions of Malarone available.
Sometimes known as 'generic Malarone's or 'cheap Malarone', these options contain the same active ingredients as the original brand and are medically equivalent. These are still manufactured to the highest standards, but generic versions are significantly cheaper than the original branded version.
Visit the NHS Fit For Travel site before completing the online consultation. It will help you find out if Malarone is the antimalarial you require for your trip.
Malarone Effectiveness
To be protected from the moment you enter the malaria risk area, you must begin taking the tablets 1-2 days before you travel. For maximum effectiveness, ensure you follow the directions for use closely.
A study on Malarone's effectiveness found that it gave over 95% protection for malaria. This can be further improved by using preventative measures such as mosquito nets, insect repellents and wearing long sleeve protective clothing.
How to Take Malarone
The course of tablets should be started 1-2 days before entering a malarial zone.
The adult dose is one tablet daily. It should be taken with food or a milky drink. The tablets are started 1-2 days before travelling to the area. Continue to take one each day while in the area, and continue to take one tablet daily for seven days after leaving.
This medicine is preferred by some people due to the need to be taken for only 7 days after returning. Some alternative medicines require 28 days of treatment after returning.
How It Works
Malarone works by killing the parasite that causes malaria. As you start taking the medication the drug builds up in your body. When you enter the at-risk zone, there should be high enough levels of the drug in your body to kill the parasite. This can protect you if you are bitten by a carrier mosquito.
Malarone Price
The price of the branded version is significantly more expensive than atovaquone/proguanil (generic Malarone). Both medications are medically equivalent and contain the same active ingredients.
Our Malarone prices are checked weekly, and we always aim to have the cheapest Malarone price online. As we have the lowest price guarantee, we will match any price you find cheaper elsewhere.
Malarone Summary
| Dose | Take ONE tablet daily 2 days before, during, and 7 days after travelling |
| Type of medicine | Antimalarial |
| Mechanism | Kills the parasite that causes malaria |
| Active Ingredient | Atovaquone & Proguanil |
| Price | from £19.20 (generic) |
| Side Effects | Can include headaches, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhoea |
Side Effects
Malarone is a well-tolerated medicine, however, as with any medication you take, there is always a risk of side effects occurring. Some are more common than others, and often side effects may subside with the regular usage of the medicine. If the side effects do not subside, you should report them to us, or your GP.
Common side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. It can also cause other common side effects like dizziness, insomnia and a rash.
Other side effects are more serious. You should stop taking this medicine if you experience them and report these to your doctor immediately. Severe side effects include a blistering skin rash, peeling skin, or signs of an allergic reaction.
For a complete list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.
Malarone Alternatives
Other malaria tablets available from our online doctor include
- Doxycycline
- Lariam (mefloquine)
You should also use bite prevention measures to minimise the risk of bites or contraction of the disease. Using insect repellents containing DEET, wearing long sleeve clothing and using mosquito nets, are all methods of ensuring you are reducing your risk of contracting malaria.
Read more about Malaria or visit the NHS choices website for further information.
Warnings and Precautions
This medicine may not be suitable for everyone to take. When completing your assessment with Simple Online Pharmacy, ensure you provide us with all the information requested for your safety.
Do not take this medicine if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are allergic to any listed ingredient
- Have kidney problems
Other Medicines
Some medicines can interact with Malarone. It is important that you discuss your suitability further with a doctor if you take warfarin, metoclopramide, tetracycline, rifampicin, rifabutin, HIV treatments or cancer treatments. See the patient information leaflet for a complete list of interactions with medicines.
Although this medicine can be used to treat malaria, the dose provided is for the prevention of malaria when entering a malaria zone only. If you believe you have malaria and need treatment, seek medical attention immediately.
Written by Qualified Experts
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Reviewed: 27/02/2025
FAQ
General Information
What is Malarone?
Malarone is an antimalarial medication containing the active ingredients atovaquone (250mg) and proguanil (100mg). It is used as prophylaxis against malaria in travellers.
How does Malarone work?
Malarone works by killing the malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) and preventing its replication, thereby reducing your risk of infection.
Is there a generic version of Malarone?
Yes, the generic form of Malarone, which contains atovaquone and proguanil, is medically equivalent to the branded version.
What is the difference between branded and generic Malarone?
Both versions contain the same active ingredients—atovaquone and proguanil—and are equally effective. Differences lie in branding, packaging, and cost.
Usage & Dosage
What is the dosage of Malarone?
Malarone is taken daily. Begin 1–2 days before entering a malarial zone, continue each day during your stay, and take it for 7 days after leaving the zone.
How many Malarone tablets do I need?
Add 9 to the number of days you will be in the malarial zone (2 days before, the days in the area, and 7 days after) to determine your total tablet requirement.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and do not double up.
How soon before travel should I start taking Malarone?
Begin taking Malarone 1–2 days before entering a malarial zone to ensure adequate drug levels.
Effectiveness & Results
How effective is Malarone?
Malarone significantly reduces your risk of contracting malaria, though no antimalarial offers 100% protection. Additional bite-prevention measures are recommended while taking Malarone.
Will Malarone affect the contraceptive pill?
No, there is no evidence that Malarone affects the effectiveness of contraceptive pills.
Side Effects & Safety
What are the common side effects of Malarone?
Common side effects may include stomach upset, headache, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Consult your doctor if side effects become severe.
Is Malarone safe during pregnancy?
Malarone is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor about alternative antimalarial options.
Who should not take Malarone?
Individuals with severe liver or kidney impairment, or those with known hypersensitivity to atovaquone or proguanil, should avoid taking Malarone.
What should I do if I experience side effects?
If you experience severe or concerning side effects, stop taking Malarone and seek medical advice immediately.
Interactions
What drugs interact with Malarone?
Malarone’s effectiveness may be reduced by medications such as rifampicin. Always inform your doctor of any other drugs or supplements you are taking.
Storage
How should I store Malarone?
Store Malarone tablets in their original packaging at room temperature (15–30°C), away from excess moisture and direct sunlight.
Access & Cost
How much is Malarone?
Tablet prices range from £2.25 to £3.10 each, depending on the quantity required. Generic versions are typically more affordable.
Can I buy Malarone over the counter?
No, Malarone is a prescription‑only medication in the UK. You must obtain a prescription from a doctor before purchasing it.
Where can I buy Malarone online?
Malarone can be purchased through regulated UK online pharmacies such as Simple Online Pharmacy, following an online assessment and prescription issuance.
What are the alternatives to Malarone?
Alternatives include Lariam (mefloquine) and Doxycycline. The NHS Fit for Travel website offers guidance on which antimalarial is best suited to your destination.
Is Malarone available on the NHS?
Malarone is generally prescribed via private consultation for travel prophylaxis in the UK and is not typically provided on the NHS.
Reviews
Info Leaflet
Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.
