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Compare Minocycline vs. Malarone

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

Key takeaways

Minocycline (Minocin, Minolira, Solodyn, Ximino) and Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil) are both prescription medications, but they belong to different drug classes and treat different conditions. Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including acne, respiratory tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections. Malarone, on the other hand, is an antimalarial medication used to prevent and treat malaria caused by *Plasmodium falciparum*. Minocycline is available in oral forms like tablets and capsules, while Malarone is available as tablets in two strengths for adults and children. Minocycline can cause side effects like headache, dizziness, and increased sun sensitivity, and it may interact with blood thinners and birth control pills. Malarone's common side effects include stomach pain, nausea, and dizziness, and it is not recommended for people with severe kidney or liver problems. Minocycline is available as a generic, while Malarone is not. Both medications are not recommended during pregnancy, but for different reasons related to their specific uses and effects.

  • Minocycline
    Malarone (atovaquone / proguanil)
  • Minocycline
    Malarone (atovaquone / proguanil)

  • Summary of Minocycline vs. Malarone

    Summary for Tetracycline antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Minocycline is an antibiotic that treats many types of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sinus infections. It's also used to treat acne when medications that are applied onto the skin aren't working well. Some common side effects include headache, feeling tired, and dizziness. Minocycline can also stain children's teeth and make you more like to get a sunburn.

    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 Minocycline vs. Malarone

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe acne
    •Respiratory tract infections, including in the nose, throat, and lungs
    •Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid, and syphilis
    •Skin infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Rickettsial infections (usually from ticks, fleas, or mites), such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus fever
    •Other infections such as anthrax, plague, cholera, and more. Minocycline can be used to treat many other less common infections not listed here.
    Indications for
    •Prevention and treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum species

  • Pros and Cons of Minocycline vs. Malarone

    Pros and Const for Tetracycline antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well against certain types of acne
    •A good alternative for some infections if you're allergic to penicillin
    •Can take with or without food
    •Might have a lower risk of infectious diarrhea than other antibiotics
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can make you get sunburns easier
    •Can stain children's teeth during tooth development
    •Interacts with blood thinners and birth control pills
    •Not recommended if you're pregnant or breastfeeding
    •Not available as an oral liquid
    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 Minocycline vs. Malarone

    Common Side Effects for

    For extended-release form:

    •Headache (23%)
    •Feeling tired (9%)
    •Dizziness (9%)
    •Itching (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Low appetite
    •Headache
    •Weakness
    •Dizziness

  • Warnings of Minocycline vs. Malarone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Color changes to teeth in babies and children
    •Infectious diarrhea
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Kidney and liver damage
    •High pressure in the brain
    •Darker tissue
    •New infection
    •Autoimmune problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening infection
    •Liver damage

  • Prices with our coupons for Minocycline vs. Malarone

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