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Compare Malarone vs. Plaquenil

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

Key takeaways

Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil) and Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) are both used to prevent and treat malaria, but they have some key differences. Malarone is a combination of two medications, atovaquone and proguanil, and is taken once per day. It is also used specifically for malaria caused by *Plasmodium falciparum*. Plaquenil, on the other hand, is a single medication that can be taken once or twice per day and is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus in adults. Malarone is not recommended for people with severe kidney or liver problems, while Plaquenil can cause serious side effects like heart rhythm problems and eye damage. Additionally, Malarone is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, whereas Plaquenil may be considered during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Malarone (atovaquone / proguanil)
    Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
  • Malarone (atovaquone / proguanil)
    Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

  • Summary of Malarone vs. Plaquenil

    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 Anti-malarial agent
    Prescription only

    Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is a non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus in adults. It's also an antimalarial medication used to prevent and treat malaria in adults and children. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is taken by mouth, typically once or twice per day. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Malarone vs. Plaquenil

    Indications for
    •Prevention and treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum species
    Indications for
    •Uncomplicated malaria in adults and children
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
    •Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults
    •Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Malarone vs. Plaquenil

    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 Anti-malarial agent
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can be taken once per day
    •Possible option for RA during pregnancy
    Cons
    •Need to take with food or milk
    •Interacts with commonly prescribed medications, such as certain blood sugar medications or antibiotics
    •Can't be used in children for lupus

  • Common Side Effects of Malarone vs. Plaquenil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Low appetite
    •Headache
    •Weakness
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea and vomiting (up to 37%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 37%)
    •Bloating (up to 37%)

  • Warnings of Malarone vs. Plaquenil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening infection
    •Liver damage
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious heart rhythm problems
    •Build-up of phospholipids (a type of fat)
    •Eye damage
    •Severe skin and allergic reactions
    •Lower blood cell counts
    •Hemolytic anemia (low red blood cells)
    •Suicidal thoughts
    •Lower blood sugar levels
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Malarone vs. Plaquenil

    Learn more about Malarone
    Learn more about Hydroxychloroquine

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