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Pronunciation

a-TOE-va-kwone/pro-GWA-nil

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antimalarials

Indications

REMS


Action

  • Atovaquone is a selective inhibitor of parasite mitochondrial transport.
  • Proguanil's metabolite, cycloguanil, is a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor.
  • Both interfere with pyrimidine synthesis required for nucleic acids and replication are active against both erythrocytic and exoerythrocytic stages of Plasmodiumspp.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Prevention/treatment of malarial illness and its sequelae.

Pharmacokinetics

Atovaquone

Absorption: Variably absorbed following oral administration, food enhances absorption.

Distribution: Extensively distributed to tissues.

Protein Binding: >99%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Undergoes enterohepatic recycling; >94% eliminated unchanged in feces.

Half-Life: Adults— 2–3 days; Children— 1–2 days.

Proguanil

Absorption: Well absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Extensively distributed to tissues.

Metabolism/Excretion: Primarily metabolized by the liver via the CYP2C19 isoenzyme and converted to cycloguanil, the pharmacologically active metabolite; primarily excreted in the urine.

Half-Life: Cycloguanil: Adults: 8.3 hr, elderly: 14.9 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(plasma concentrations)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
atovaquone POunknown1–8 hr; 24–96 hr24 hr
proguanil POunknownunknown24 hr



Two peaks are due to enterohepatic recycling.

Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Prophylaxis of Malaria

EENT: visual difficulties

GI: abdominal pain, oral ulcers

Treatment of Malaria

Derm: pruritus ( in children), photosensitivity

GI: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, liver enzymes

Hemat: neutropenia

Neuro: headache, dizziness, dreams, headache, insomnia, weakness

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS)

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage

Prevention of Malaria

Treatment of Malaria

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Malarone

Canadian Brand Names

Malarone Pediatric

Code

NDC Code