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Compare Malarone vs. Bactrim

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

Key takeaways

Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil) and Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different purposes. Malarone is an antimalarial medication used to prevent and treat malaria, while Bactrim is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and lung infections. Malarone is taken once daily, whereas Bactrim is typically taken twice daily. Malarone is not recommended for people with severe kidney or liver problems, and it is not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women. On the other hand, Bactrim is not suitable for those with a sulfa allergy, severe liver or kidney problems, or during pregnancy. Bactrim can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which is not a common issue with Malarone. Both medications have generic forms available, making them more affordable options.

  • Malarone (atovaquone / proguanil)
    Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
  • Malarone (atovaquone / proguanil)
    Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim

  • Summary of Malarone vs. Bactrim

    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.

    Summary for Sulfonamide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (sometimes known as SMZ/TMP) is a combination medication containing an antifolate and sulfa antibiotic. It's used to treat different types of infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and lung infections. This antibiotic has two different brand names, Bactrim and Septra, and it's also available as a lower-cost generic. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically twice daily for most types of infections. This antibiotic also comes as a suspension under the brand name Sulfatrim for people who can't swallow tablets and as an injection for people in the hospital. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and rash.

  • Indications of Malarone vs. Bactrim

    Indications for
    •Prevention and treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum species
    Indications for
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI)
    •Lower respiratory tract infection (e.g., Pneumocystis pneumonia, infections related to bronchitis)
    •Diarrhea caused by Shigella (shigellosis)
    •Travelers' diarrhea - tablet or liquid only
    •Ear infections - tablet or liquid only

  • Pros and Cons of Malarone vs. Bactrim

    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)
    Pros and Const for Sulfonamide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats many types of bacterial infections
    •Can be given to children as young as 2 months old to treat certain infections
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can upset your stomach and make your skin more sensitive to the sun
    •Not the best choice for people with liver or kidney problems
    •Not recommended if you're pregnant
    •Can't take if you have a sulfa allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Malarone vs. Bactrim

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Low appetite
    •Headache
    •Weakness
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Loss of appetite
    •Rash
    •Hives
    •Skin sensitivity to sun or light

  • Warnings of Malarone vs. Bactrim

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening infection
    •Liver damage
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use during pregnancy
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Low platelet counts and risk for bleeding
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    •Low sodium levels and high potassium levels
    •Blood cell-related problems
    •Problems with processing phenylalanine - for people with phenylketonuria (PKU) only

  • Prices with our coupons for Malarone vs. Bactrim

    Learn more about Malarone
    Learn more about Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim

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