Malarone® (Atovaquone + Proguanil Hydrochloride) — Antimalarial for Prevention and Treatment of Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria

A Sourcing Guide for Hospitals, Travel Medicine Clinics, and Pharmacies

Malarone® (Atovaquone + Proguanil Hydrochloride) is a fixed-dose combination antimalarial indicated, according to its approved prescribing information, for the prevention of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults and children, and for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in adults and children. As with all antimalarial therapies, the decision to prescribe Malarone, including patient suitability, dosing by weight in children, and duration of prophylaxis, rests entirely with the treating physician, in accordance with the approved label. This page provides sourcing and procurement information for hospitals and pharmacies, not clinical or treatment guidance.

As both a trusted medicine distributor in Delhi and a licensed pharma distribution company, A.K. Pharma supplies genuine Malarone (Atovaquone + Proguanil Hydrochloride) tablets to hospitals, travel medicine clinics, and pharmacies across India, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Among pharmaceutical distribution companies operating in Delhi, A.K. Pharma maintains one of the most comprehensive specialty and imported medicine portfolios — hospitals and clinics can source companion medicines through A.K. Pharma’s full product range.

What is Malarone (Atovaquone + Proguanil)?

Malarone contains a fixed-dose combination of two active antimalarial agents — Atovaquone (250mg) and Proguanil Hydrochloride (100mg) per adult tablet — which work through complementary and synergistic mechanisms to prevent and treat Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Mechanism of Action — Dual Complementary Activity:

According to the manufacturer’s prescribing information and published antimalarial pharmacology literature, the two components of Malarone target different pathways in the malaria parasite:

Atovaquone works by selectively inhibiting the mitochondrial electron transport chain of the malaria parasite, specifically at the cytochrome bc1 complex. This disrupts mitochondrial membrane potential and blocks the parasite’s ability to generate the energy it needs to replicate and survive. Atovaquone’s selective toxicity relies on the parasite’s greater dependence on mitochondrial electron transport than human cells.

Proguanil Hydrochloride acts as a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor through its active metabolite cycloguanil, which selectively inhibits the parasite’s dihydrofolate reductase enzyme — blocking folate synthesis and thereby interfering with DNA replication in the parasite. Proguanil is also understood to enhance the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential caused by atovaquone, contributing to a synergistic effect between the two components.

This dual complementary mechanism — targeting both mitochondrial energy production and folate synthesis simultaneously — makes Malarone effective against P. falciparum strains that may have developed resistance to single-agent antimalarials, and supports its status as a CDC-recommended first-line option for malaria prophylaxis in travellers.

Full prescribing information is available from the FDA label for Malarone, with additional clinical guidance on malaria prevention available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Clinical Evidence

Prophylaxis Clinical Trials
According to the approved prescribing information, the prophylaxis indication for adults is supported by three placebo-controlled studies of 10 to 12 weeks’ duration conducted in malaria-endemic areas with over 700 subjects, and two active-controlled studies in non-immune travellers enrolling more than 2,000 participants. These trials demonstrated consistent efficacy in preventing P. falciparum malaria across endemic and non-endemic travel populations.

For children between 11kg and 40kg bodyweight, the prophylaxis indication is supported by two placebo-controlled studies in over 500 subjects aged 4 to 15 years, and two active-controlled studies in more than 180 non-immune child travellers aged 2 to 14 years.

Treatment Clinical Trials
The treatment indication is based on five controlled clinical studies in 466 patients (adults and children) receiving concurrent atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride at the recommended doses, demonstrating efficacy in acute uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria.

For updated clinical guidance on antimalarial treatment and prophylaxis, the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) and the WHO Guidelines for Malaria provide current recommendations.

Available Strengths

Malarone is supplied in two tablet strengths:

Standard Dosing — General Reference (per approved prescribing information):

Paediatric dosing is weight-based per the approved label — the prescribing physician determines appropriate dose and tablet strength for each child.

Indications — What Malarone is Used For

Prevention of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria:

• Adults and children (weight ≥11kg) travelling to or residing in P. falciparum malaria-endemic areas
• Recommended as a first-line prophylaxis option by the CDC and WHO for travellers to chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum areas
• Shorter pre-travel lead time required compared to other antimalarials — can be started 1-2 days before travel vs 1-2 weeks for alternatives

Treatment of Acute Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria:

• Adults and children with acute, uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria
• Not indicated for severe or complicated malaria — refer to WHO treatment guidelines

For detailed indication information refer to MedlinePlus Atovaquone/Proguanil and the CDC Malaria Treatment Guidelines.

Key Benefits of Malarone

CDC-Recommended First-Line Prophylaxis
Malarone is among the antimalarials listed as a first-line prophylaxis option by the CDC for travellers to areas with chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum — the dominant malaria species in most of Asia, Africa, and South America.

Shorter Pre-Travel Dosing Window
Unlike mefloquine (which requires starting 2 weeks before travel) or doxycycline (which requires starting 1-2 days before but continuing for 4 weeks after), Malarone prophylaxis can be started just 1-2 days before departure and stopped 7 days after returning — making it particularly practical for last-minute travellers and shorter trips.

Once Daily Oral Dosing
A single tablet taken once daily with food or milk-based drink is the entire regimen — no complex dosing schedule, no injections.

Dual Mechanism Reduces Resistance Risk
The simultaneous targeting of two separate parasite pathways — mitochondrial electron transport and folate synthesis — means that resistance to Malarone requires the parasite to develop mutations in both pathways simultaneously, which is significantly less likely than resistance to a single-mechanism agent.

Available in Both Adult and Paediatric Strengths
The paediatric tablet (62.5mg/25mg) allows weight-based dosing for children from 11kg upward, making Malarone suitable for family travel to endemic areas.

Dosage and Administration — General Reference

Dosing of Malarone is determined by the prescribing physician according to the approved label. General administration information from the manufacturer’s prescribing information includes:

• Taken orally once daily at the same time each day
• Must be taken with food or a milk-based drink to maximise atovaquone absorption — absorption is significantly reduced when taken without food
• Tablets should preferably be swallowed whole; may be crushed and mixed with condensed milk for patients unable to swallow tablets
• If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking Malarone, a repeat dose should be taken
• For prophylaxis: start 1-2 days before entering a malaria-endemic area, continue daily throughout the stay, and continue for 7 days after leaving

Monitoring (per manufacturer prescribing information):

• Renal function assessment — use with caution for treatment (not prophylaxis) in patients with severe renal impairment; dose adjustment or alternative therapy may be required
• Hepatic function — use with caution and close monitoring in patients with severe hepatic impairment
• Reassessment if persistent vomiting or diarrhoea occurs during treatment, as absorption may be compromised

Full dosing guidelines are available in the manufacturer’s official prescribing information and should always be followed exactly as directed by the treating physician.

Who Should Use Malarone

Malarone is prescribed by physicians for:

• Adults and children (≥11kg) requiring malaria prophylaxis when travelling to P. falciparum endemic areas
• Adults and children with acute uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria requiring oral treatment
• Travellers to areas with known chloroquine resistance

Malarone is prescribed by travel medicine physicians, infectious disease specialists, and general practitioners. As a licensed pharma distribution company in Delhi, A.K. Pharma supplies Malarone to hospitals, travel medicine clinics, and pharmacies across India.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects reported in clinical trials include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhoea, dizziness, and asthenia.

Serious side effects include:

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, and vasculitis have been reported rarely — Malarone is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to atovaquone or proguanil.

Hepatic Effects: Elevated liver enzymes and rare cases of hepatitis have been reported — monitoring is recommended in patients with hepatic impairment.

Neuropsychiatric Effects: Hallucinations and rare serious neuropsychiatric adverse events have been reported in patients taking atovaquone/proguanil — patients should be advised to report any neuropsychiatric symptoms promptly.

Photosensitivity: Rash and photosensitivity reactions have been reported — sun protection is advisable during treatment.

Full side effect information is available at FDA Malarone Safety Information.

Precautions

• Contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) for prophylaxis use
• Use with caution in severe renal impairment for treatment — benefit-risk assessment required per approved label
• Use with caution in severe hepatic impairment
• Known hypersensitivity to atovaquone or proguanil — contraindicated
• Vomiting or diarrhoea may reduce absorption significantly — repeat dosing or alternative therapy may be required
• Drug interactions — avoid concomitant rifampicin or rifabutin (significantly reduces atovaquone levels); efavirenz also reduces atovaquone levels
• Pregnancy — limited data; use only if clearly necessary and the potential benefit justifies potential risk, per treating physician’s assessment
• Not indicated for severe or complicated malaria — refer to WHO severe malaria treatment guidelines
• Refer to manufacturer prescribing information and CDC malaria treatment guidelines for complete management context

Storage and Handling

• Store below 25°C
• Protect from moisture
• Keep in original packaging
• Keep out of reach of children

As one of Delhi’s most trusted pharmaceutical distribution companies, A.K. Pharma stores all antimalarial medicines including Malarone under manufacturer-recommended conditions ensuring product integrity for every supply.

Manufacturer Information

Malarone (Atovaquone + Proguanil Hydrochloride) is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical companies. GSK developed Malarone as a fixed-dose combination to improve both efficacy and tolerability of malaria treatment and prophylaxis. A.K. Pharma supplies only genuine Malarone sourced from authorised GSK distribution channels. Unlike general wholesale pharmaceutical distributors, A.K. Pharma maintains verified sourcing directly from authorised channels for every medicine it supplies. Learn more about GlaxoSmithKline’s antimalarial portfolio directly from the manufacturer.

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• Learn about A.K. Pharma’s Patient Assistance Program for eligible patients
• Learn about A.K. Pharma’s Named Patient Program for special access support

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Malarone used for?
Malarone (Atovaquone + Proguanil Hydrochloride) is used for the prevention and treatment of acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults and children weighing 11kg or more.

Q. What is the generic name and strength of Malarone?
The generic name is Atovaquone + Proguanil Hydrochloride. The adult tablet contains 250mg Atovaquone and 100mg Proguanil Hydrochloride. The paediatric tablet contains 62.5mg Atovaquone and 25mg Proguanil Hydrochloride. Both are manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.

Q. How does Malarone work against malaria?
Atovaquone inhibits the malaria parasite’s mitochondrial electron transport chain, blocking energy production. Proguanil inhibits the parasite’s folate synthesis pathway. Together they work through complementary mechanisms that provide synergistic antimalarial activity per the approved prescribing information.

Q. How early before travel should Malarone be started?
Per the approved prescribing information, Malarone prophylaxis can be started 1-2 days before entering a malaria-endemic area — significantly earlier than alternatives like mefloquine. It should be continued daily throughout travel and for 7 days after leaving the endemic area.

Q. Can Malarone be used in children?
Yes — Malarone is approved for children weighing 11kg and above, with weight-based paediatric dosing using either adult or paediatric strength tablets as directed by the treating physician per the approved label.

Q. Why source Malarone through A.K. Pharma rather than a general pharmaceutical wholesale distributor?
As a specialty pharma distribution company focused on imported and specialty medicines, A.K. Pharma sources Malarone directly from authorised GSK channels with complete batch documentation — unlike general pharmaceutical wholesale distributors who may not maintain the same verified sourcing standards for imported originator brands.

Q. Is Malarone available in India?
Malarone can be supplied to hospitals, travel medicine clinics, and pharmacies across India through licensed pharmaceutical distributors. Contact A.K. Pharma — one of Delhi’s trusted pharmaceutical distribution companies — for availability and pricing.

Q. What is the price of Malarone in India?
Malarone price in India varies by pack size and order quantity. Contact A.K. Pharma at 011 4172 6999 or WhatsApp +91 9810034827 for current pricing.

Q. How to order Malarone from A.K. Pharma?
Call us at 011 4172 6999 or WhatsApp +91 9810034827 with your requirements and we will respond promptly.

Q. Does A.K. Pharma supply Malarone in bulk?
Yes. As one of Delhi’s established pharmaceutical distribution companies, A.K. Pharma supplies Malarone in bulk to hospitals, travel medicine clinics, and pharmacies across Delhi and India.

Why Order Malarone from A.K. Pharma?

• Licensed pharmaceutical distributors in Delhi with all required drug licenses
• One of Delhi’s trusted pharmaceutical distribution companies for specialty and imported medicines
• 100% genuine Malarone sourced from authorised GSK distribution channels — not through grey-market wholesale pharmaceutical distributors
• Both adult and paediatric strengths available
• Available alongside companion anti-infective and emergency medicines — Fetroja, Scarnet, EpiPen — simplifying procurement
• Prompt response to all quote requests
• Serving travel medicine clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies across Delhi NCR and India as a trusted pharma distribution company

Contact A.K. Pharma for Malarone Supply

📍 E-2/257A, 2nd Floor, Shastri Nagar, New Delhi 110052
📞 011 4172 6999
📱 WhatsApp: +91 9810034827
🌐 akpharma.in

Disclaimer: This page is intended for informational and sourcing/procurement purposes only and does not constitute medical or clinical advice. All treatment decisions, including drug selection and dosing, should be made by a qualified healthcare professional in accordance with the approved prescribing information. A.K. Pharma is a licensed medicine distributor and does not provide clinical guidance.