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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

 

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Malarone

(atovaquone / proguanil)

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Summary for Minocycline

Prescription only

Immediate-release minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat many types of bacterial infections in adults and children 8 years and older. These include urinary tract infections (UTIs), sinus infections, and even severe acne. It comes as a tablet or capsule, and is usually taken by mouth every 12 hours. Common side effects include headache, tiredness, and dizziness.

Indications for Minocycline

Pros and Cons for Minocycline

Pros

  • Can take with or without food
  • Treats many different types of bacterial infections
  • A good alternative if you're allergic to penicillin
  • Taken twice a day

Cons

  • Can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight
  • Can stain children's teeth during tooth development
  • Interacts with blood thinners and birth control pills
  • Not safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Minocycline

Warnings for Minocycline

  • Harm to unborn babies
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Slow bone growth
  • Infectious diarrhea
  • Severe allergic and serious skin reactions
  • Kidney and liver damage
  • Brain and nerve effects
  • High pressure in the brain
  • Autoimmune problems
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Darkening of body tissues
  • New infection

Summary for Malarone

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 for Malarone

  • Prevention and treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum species

Pros and Cons for Malarone

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 for Malarone

  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Low appetite
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness

Warnings for Malarone

  • Worsening infection
  • Liver damage

Prices with our coupons for Minocycline vs. Malarone

Price Card Drug Icon
Minocycline30 capsules / 100mg
$20.36$29.64
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Atovaquone/Proguanil30 tablets / 250mg/100mg
$49.22$69.63
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