Anopheles Albimanus mosquito
Malarone is a prescription drug used in the treatment and prevention of malaria. Malaria is a disorder caused by the growth and development of parasites within the red blood cells. The protozoan parasites are transferred to the bloodstream through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Malarone contains a combination of antiparasitic chemicals that work together to interrupt the growth cycle of these parasites, halting the progression of the illness.
Use
For the prevention of malaria, the first dose of Malarone should be taken approximately 48 hours prior to entering a known malaria zone. The prescribed medication dosage should be taken for the duration of the visit and continued for at least one week after departing the area. To treat malaria, Malarone should be taken for three consecutive days in the recommended dose. For best results, take the medication at the same time each day, preferably after a meal, and follow the medication dose with a small glass of milk. Additionally, Malarone tablets should be swallowed whole; however, if you are having difficulty ingesting the medication, it can be crushed and mixed in with soft food, such as pudding or yogurt.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Malarone include headache, diarrhea, coughing, nausea and vomiting. If you vomit within one hour of taking your medication, you will need to take the full dose again. As with all medications, an allergic reaction is possible. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, swelling, dizziness or unexplainable rash.
Interactions
Prior to taking Malarone, be certain your primary health care provider is fully aware of all the prescription medications you are taking. Malarone can interact with blood thinners such as Coumadin, tetracyclines such as Tetracap and rifamycins such as rifabutin. These interactions can alter the performance of the medication and interfere with the results of standard laboratory tests.
Precautions
There is no single medication capable of treating and preventing malaria completely. In addition to prescription medication, be sure to use strong insect repellents and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Try not to go outside once the sun has set, and drape an insecticide-treated mosquito net around your sleeping area. Malarone may make you drowsy or slightly dizzy; limit your alcohol intake while on this medication, and exercise caution when driving or using heavy machinery. If you have liver or kidney disease, are allergic to atovaquone or proguanil, are pregnant or a nursing mother, you should not take Malarone.
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