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Compare Flagyl vs. Malarone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Metronidazole (Flagyl) and Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil) are both prescription medications, but they treat different types of infections. Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial and parasitic infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. It is taken multiple times a day and has a generic form available, making it a lower-cost option. On the other hand, Malarone is an antimalarial medication used to prevent and treat malaria. It is taken once a day and is not available in a generic form. Metronidazole has a serious interaction with alcohol and can cause a metallic taste in your mouth, while Malarone is generally well-tolerated but can cause vivid dreams and liver problems. Additionally, Malarone is not recommended for people with severe kidney or liver problems, or for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

  • Metronidazole (Flagyl)
    Malarone (atovaquone / proguanil)
  • Metronidazole (Flagyl)
    Malarone (atovaquone / proguanil)

  • Summary of Flagyl vs. Malarone

    Summary for Nitroimidazole antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Metronidazole (Flagyl) is an oral antibiotic for adults and children. It's used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including bacterial vaginosis (a type of vaginal bacteria infection) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection, or STI). Metronidazole (Flagyl) is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Some common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking and for 3 days after stopping metronidazole (Flagyl) because this combination can cause a serious reaction. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is available as a lower-cost generic.

    Summary for Antimalarial
    Prescription only

    Malarone (atovaquone / proguanil) is a CDC-recommended medication to help prevent and treat malaria. This combination medication is taken by mouth once per day. It doesn't have many side effects and can be used in children and adults.

  • Indications of Flagyl vs. Malarone

    Indications for

    Treatment of certain bacterial and parasitic infections, including:

    •Trichomoniasis
    •Amebiasis (parasitic gut infection)
    •Serious bacterial infections, such as:
    •Abdominal infection (including peritonitis)
    •Skin infections
    •Gynecological infections (including endometritis)
    •Bloodstream infection (septicemia)
    •Bone and joint infections
    •Central nervous system infections (meningitis)
    •Lung infections (lower respiratory tract infections)
    •Heart infection (endocarditis)
    Indications for
    •Prevention and treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum species

  • Pros and Cons of Flagyl vs. Malarone

    Pros and Const for Nitroimidazole antibiotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Can be used to treat different types of bacterial infection
    •Immediate-release formulations can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Immediate-release formulations needs to be taken multiple times a day for most infections
    •Serious interaction with alcohol
    •Can cause metallic taste in mouth
    •Not recommended while breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Antimalarial
    Pros
    •Works well for preventing and treating malaria
    •Can use for traveling to areas known to have resistance to chloroquine, another antimalarial medication
    •Good choice for shorter trips because you only have to take it for 1 more week after leaving from the malaria area, rather than for 4 more weeks with other malaria medications (e.g., mefloquine, chloroquine)
    •Has relatively few side effects
    Cons
    •Not the best choice for people with severe kidney or liver problems
    •Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding females
    •Taken once per day (compared to other antimalarial medications that are taken once per week)

  • Common Side Effects of Flagyl vs. Malarone

    Common Side Effects for

    Please note: These are common side effects reported by people who took extended-release metronidazole (Flagyl)

    •Headache (18%)
    •Inflammation of the vagina (15%)
    •Nausea (10%)
    •Metallic taste (9%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Low appetite
    •Headache
    •Weakness
    •Dizziness

  • Warnings of Flagyl vs. Malarone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible risk of cancer
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Brain and nerve problems
    •Liver and kidney problems
    •Risk of fungal infection
    •Risk of drug resistance
    •Lower white blood cell counts
    •Interaction with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening infection
    •Liver damage

  • Prices with our coupons for Flagyl vs. Malarone

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