Antimalarial Treatment

Atovaquone/Proguanil hydrochloride belongs to a group of medicines called antimalarials.

It contains two active substances, atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride. Atovaquone/Proguanil hydrochloride is used to:

• Prevent malaria

• Treat malaria Malaria is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, which passes the malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) into the bloodstream.

Atovaquone/Proguanil hydrochloride prevents malaria by killing this parasite.

For people who are already infected with malaria, Atovaquone/Proguanil hydrochloride also kills these parasites.

As well as taking Atovaquone/Proguanil hydrochloride, it is very important that you also take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:

• Use insect repellent on exposed areas of the skin

• Wear light coloured clothing that covers most of the body, especially after sunset as this is the time when mosquitoes are most active

• Sleep in a screened room or under a mosquito net impregnated with insecticide

• Close windows and doors at sunset, if they are not screened

• Consider using an insecticide (mats, spray, plug-ins) to clear a room of insects or to deter mosquitoes from entering the room