Proguanil
Proguanil is an antimalarial medication typically administered in combination with atovaquone for the prevention and treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It works by interfering with the growth and reproduction of malaria parasites in the bloodstream.
Proguanil is an antimalarial drug used alone or with atovaquone to prevent and treat malaria infections.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- P01BB01
- RxNorm
- 2382
- Generic
- Proguanil
- Class
- atc-p01
- Brands
- Malarone
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- 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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 200mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 3mg/kg daily (max 200mg)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 200mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during first trimester unless benefits outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesterno adjustment needed
may be used when benefits outweigh risks
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterno adjustment needed
may be used for malaria prevention or treatment
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding
no specific monitoring required
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing
use pediatric formulation, dose based on weight
monitor weight for dose adjustments
renal_impairment
severereduce dose
use with caution in severe renal impairment, consider dose reduction
monitor renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment needed for moderate impairment
routine monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderateuse with caution
use with caution in moderate to severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment needed
standard adult dosing may be used
routine monitoring of renal and hepatic function
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Prevention and treatment of malaria, particularly infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum, usually in combination with atovaquone as a fixed-dose formulation.
Proguanil is converted to cycloguanil, which inhibits dihydrofolate reductase in malaria parasites, disrupting DNA synthesis and preventing parasite replication.
Should be taken with food or milky drinks to improve absorption. Not recommended for prophylaxis in areas with chloroquine-resistant malaria without atovaquone. May cause gastrointestinal upset and requires consistent dosing for effective prevention.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy