Malarone Tablets for Malaria Prevention

What are Malarone and generic atovaquone/proguanil tablets?

Malarone is a branded prescription medicine containing atovaquone 250 mg and proguanil hydrochloride 100 mg per adult tablet. Generic atovaquone/proguanil tablets contain the same active ingredients. They are used to help prevent malaria when the medicine is suitable for the traveller and destination.

No antimalarial medicine is 100% effective. Continue mosquito-bite precautions, including using insect repellent, wearing suitable clothing and sleeping in screened or air-conditioned accommodation where possible.

How to take Malarone for malaria prevention

The usual prevention dose for adults and children weighing more than 40 kg is one adult-strength 250 mg/100 mg tablet once daily. Start 1 or 2 days before entering the malaria-risk area, take one tablet every day while there, and continue for 7 days after leaving.

Take the tablet at the same time each day with food or a milky drink. If you vomit within one hour of taking a dose, take another dose. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber and the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Side effects and safety

Commonly reported side effects include headache, stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, although not everyone gets them. Read the patient information leaflet for the full list of side effects and warnings.

Stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical help if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe widespread rash.

Who may not be suitable for Malarone?

Malarone or generic atovaquone/proguanil may not be suitable if you are allergic to either active ingredient, have severe kidney impairment, are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, or take medicines that could interact with treatment. Adult-strength tablets are not suitable for people who weigh 40 kg or less.

Tell the prescriber about all medical conditions, allergies and medicines you take. Other antimalarial options are usually preferred during pregnancy; breastfeeding and pregnancy both require an individual clinical assessment.

Malarone or doxycycline?

Both medicines can be effective when they are recommended for the destination and taken correctly. Malarone is normally started 1 or 2 days before travel and continued for 7 days after leaving the risk area. Doxycycline is normally started 1 or 2 days before travel and continued for 4 weeks after leaving.

They have different cautions and side-effect profiles. A prescriber should select the option that fits your destination, itinerary, medical history and current medicines; neither treatment is best for everyone.

How to order Malarone online

1. Select generic atovaquone/proguanil or branded Malarone and the quantity required for your trip.
2. Complete the confidential travel-health questionnaire with your destination, travel dates, medical history and current medicines.
3. A UK prescriber reviews your answers and confirms whether treatment is appropriate.
4. If approved, the pharmacy dispenses your medicine for discreet UK delivery or collection, where available.

Completing the questionnaire or making payment does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued.

Malarone FAQs

Medical information sources

• UK malaria prevention guidelines 2026: chemoprophylaxis
• UK malaria prevention guidelines 2026: special-risk groups
• Malarone 250 mg/100 mg Summary of Product Characteristics
• Malarone 250 mg/100 mg Patient Information Leaflet