Paludrine

Generic Name: Proguanil hydrochloride
Product Name: Paludrine

Indication

Used for prophylaxis against malaria in areas where malarial parasites sensitive to proguanil.
For use in children and adults.

Action

Microbiology.

Proguanil is broken down by the body into cycloguanil, which disrupts the growth cycle of once of the malarial strains (P.falciparum).

Pharmacokinetics.

Proguanil is well absorbed from the gut, with maximum levels in the blood achieved approximately 4 hours after dosing. The peak plasma level of cycloguanil occurs 1 hour later. The anti-malarial activity lasts for approximately 12-16 hours.

Dose advice

Adults, children > 14 years, elderly patients. 2 tablets (200 mg) daily.

Children. 3.5 mg/kg daily.
Approximate dosages based on average weights for ages: < 1 year: ¼ tablet (25 mg) daily; 1-4 years: ½ tablet (50 mg) daily; 5-8 years: 1 tablet (100mg) daily; 9-14 years: 1 ½ tablets (150 mg) daily.

Impaired renal function.
Creatinine clearance 20-59 ml/min: 100 mg once daily
Creatinine clearance 10-19 ml/min: 50 mg every second day.
Creatinine clearance < 10 ml/min: 50 mg once weekly.

Use in pregnancy (Category B2)
Prophylaxis in high risk situations is accepted as the potential risks (including fetal malformation and death) is outweighed by the benefit. If giving during pregnancy, supplement with folic acid.

Use in lactation.
Separate chemoprophylaxis for the infant is required.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers.
Headaches.

Uncommon side effects

Vertigo
Rash, itch, hair loss.
Anaemia
Raised liver enzymes.

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For further information talk to your doctor.