Let's learn about a medicine to protect against malaria? (Atovaquone; Proguanil)

Are you ready to travel to a country with a risk of malaria , or even to an area in Sri Lanka? The biggest fear we have when going on such a trip is whether we will develop malaria . So, at times like these, doctors prescribe us a special medicine to protect ourselves from malaria and to treat it if we do develop it. Today, we are going to talk about one such medicine, a combination of two drugs called Atovaquone and Proguanil.

Simply put, what is this medicine?

This is a medicine that works against the malaria parasite. To be precise, it is a combination of two drugs called Atovaquone and Proguanil . You will also see it in the market under the name `(Malarone)`. It is mainly used for two reasons:

1. Prevent malaria: You can protect yourself from malaria by taking this medicine before traveling to a malaria-prone area and for a few days after leaving the area.

2. Treat existing malaria: This medicine is also given to someone who has contracted malaria to cure it.

But remember, this can be prescribed by your doctor for other things as well. So if you have any questions, it's best to ask your doctor.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

It is very important that your doctor knows your complete medical history before prescribing this medication. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the conditions listed below.

• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have any liver disease .
• If you have an upset stomach or digestive system problems .
• If you have an allergic reaction not only to this medicine (`Atovaquone`, `Proguanil`), but also to any other medicine, food, or preservative.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .

Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or not, or whether the dosage needs to be changed.

How should I use the medicine exactly?

This is also very important. To get the most out of the medicine, you need to use it correctly.

• Take this pill with a glass of water .
• Try to take your medicine at about the same time every day. It is best to take it with a meal or a milky drink . This will help the medicine absorb better and reduce any stomach discomfort.
• If giving to young children, you can crush the tablet and mix it with condensed milk .
• Important: If you vomit within an hour of taking the medicine, you will have to take the same dose again , because at that time the medicine may have passed out before it was absorbed by the body.
• To prevent malaria: You should start taking the medicine a day or two before entering an area at risk. You should also take the medicine every day for 7 days after leaving the area.

If giving to children: Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to young children. Therefore, talk to your pediatrician about this and follow his/her instructions exactly.

What to do if you take too much? (Overdose)

Don't even think about it, but if you have the slightest suspicion that you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

What if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Some medications you are taking may interact with this medicine. Therefore, tell your doctor about all other medications (including vitamins and herbal products) you are taking. Especially if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Metoclopramide
• Rifabutin
• Rifampin
• Tetracycline

This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.

Things to be careful about while taking the medicine

• If you develop a fever: If you develop a fever after returning from or while in an area where malaria is common, see a doctor immediately. Tell him or her that you may have been exposed to malaria.
• Sun sensitivity: Some people may experience a slight sensitivity to sunlight while taking this medication. Therefore, limit your exposure to strong sunlight as much as possible. If you do go outside, wear clothing that covers your skin and use sunscreen .
• Protect yourself from mosquitoes : Even if you take medication, it is still very important to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes. So be sure to do these things:
• If possible, stay in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Sleep under a mosquito net. A mosquito net treated with insecticide is best.
• Wear long pants and long-sleeved clothing that covers your body well.
• Apply mosquito repellent (preferably one containing DEET) to exposed areas of skin.
• Use an insecticide spray to kill mosquitoes.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medication, this can cause side effects in some people. Some of them can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them early.

This list does not include all side effects. If you notice anything else that is unusual, talk to your doctor about it.

How should I store the medicine?

This is also important. Keep out of reach of children . Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Throw away expired medicine .