Abstract

&#9660Atovaquone + proguanil* (Malarone - GlaxoSmithKline) is a fixed-dose combination of two antiparasitic drugs. In 1996, it was licensed in the UK for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Earlier this year, the combination was licensed additionally for prophylaxis of falciparum malaria. The manufacturer claims that, when used for prophylaxis, atovaquone + proguanil "offers 97% efficacy with a side effect profile similar to placebo". Here, we assess these claims and review the place of atovaquone + proguanil as prophylaxis for non-immune people travelling from the UK.