Atovaquone / Proguanil
Atovaquone/Proguanil is a combination antimalarial medication used to prevent and treat malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and other Plasmodium species. It is commonly prescribed for travelers visiting regions where chloroquine-resistant malaria is prevalent, as well as for treatment of uncomplicated malaria infections.
Atovaquone/Proguanil is a combination antimalarial drug used for prevention and treatment of malaria in travelers to endemic regions.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 284623
- Generic
- Atovaquone / Proguanil
- Class
- multi-ingredient
- Brands
- Malarone
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Prevention and treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, including chloroquine-resistant strains. Used for malaria prophylaxis in travelers to endemic areas and treatment of uncomplicated malaria.
Atovaquone inhibits parasite mitochondrial electron transport, while proguanil (converted to cycloguanil) inhibits dihydrofolate reductase. Their synergistic action disrupts parasite nucleotide synthesis and mitochondrial function, eliminating the infection.
For prophylaxis, begin 1-2 days before travel and continue 7 days after return. Take with food or milk to improve absorption. May cause gastrointestinal upset, headache, or mouth ulcers. Contraindicated in severe renal impairment. Not effective against P. vivax or hypnozoite stages, so does not prevent relapses. Resistance has been reported in some regions.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy