Atovaquone is a hydroxynaphthoquinone derivative, which selectively inhibits mitochondrial electron transport processes such as pyrimidine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) biosynthesis and collapses mitochondrial membrane potential in plasmodia, thus preventing the replication of the parasite. Proguanil is a prophylactic biguanide derivative, that is converted to cycloguanil, which inhibits the parasitic dihydrofolate reductase enzyme leading to depletion of biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines, which are essential for DNA synthesis and cell multiplication in plasmodium. The antimalarial activity of atovaquone and proguanil has synergistic effects against erythrocytic stages of the parasite.
Use this medication precisely as recommended by your physician. Follow the prescription of your doctor carefully.
The medication dose given by your physician is based on your health conditions, other medications or food supplements taken, and your reaction to the treatment. To diminish risks for adverse effects, do not increase your dosage, thus take it regularly, or take it as instructed by your physician. Adverse events may still happen even at usual prescription dosages.
If your physician requests you to use this drug consistently, take it regularly to get the most benefits from it. To make you remember it better, take it at a fixed time every day.
Your doctor may need to modify your dosages to ease your symptoms or if you develop adverse reactions.
