Atovaquone/proguanil for the prophylaxis and treatment of malaria. Issue 6 (December 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patel, Samir N; Kain, Kevin C
• Is Part Of: Expert review of anti-infective therapy. Volume 3:Issue 6(2005)
• Page Start: 849
• Page End: 861
• Publication Date: 2005-12
• Subjects: atovaquone -- cytochrome b -- drug resistance -- malaria -- pharmacokinetics -- Plasmodium falciparum -- Plasmodium vivax -- proguanil -- prophylaxis; Anti-infective agents -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.90461
• DOI: 10.1586/14787210.3.6.849
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-7210

Abstract

Increases in international travel and escalating drug resistance have resulted in a growing number of travelers at risk of contracting malaria. Drug resistance and intolerance to standard agents such as chloroquine, sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine and mefloquine has highlighted the need for new antimalarials. The recently licensed fixed combination of atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride (Malarone™) is a promising new agent to prevent and treat Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Randomized controlled trials have shown that atovaquone/proguanil is well tolerated and efficacious for the prevention and treatment of drug-resistant P. falciparum malaria. Atovaquone/proguanil is active against the liver stage of P. falciparum malaria parasites and when used as a prophylactic agent it can be discontinued shortly after leaving malaria-endemic areas, offering a clear advantage for drug adherence.