How do you take Proguanil (Proguanil Hydrochloride)?

For malaria prevention, take 2 tablets (200 mg) once daily with food or a milky drink. Start taking it 1-2 days before entering a malaria area, continue throughout your stay, and keep taking it for 4 weeks after you leave the area. Swallow the tablet whole with water, as taking it after food helps reduce stomach upset. Proguanil is often used together with chloroquine for better protection.

What are the side effects of Proguanil (Proguanil Hydrochloride)?

Mild stomach upset or nausea, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers (sores inside the mouth), mild hair loss with long-term use

Who should not take Proguanil (Proguanil Hydrochloride)?

People who are allergic to proguanil or any ingredient in the tablet should not take it. People with severe kidney problems should use a reduced dose or avoid it, so consult your doctor. Proguanil alone may not give full malaria protection in high-risk areas, so it is usually combined with another antimalarial.

OTC

Antimalarial

Proguanil

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Proguanil is an antimalarial drug that works by stopping the malaria parasite from multiplying inside your body, helping to prevent malaria infection before it takes hold.

How it works

Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase in Plasmodium parasites, disrupting the synthesis of dihydrofolate and subsequently tetrahydrofolate, which are essential cofactors for nucleotide synthesis and parasite DNA replication. The active metabolite cycloguanil also inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase, enhancing antimalarial activity particularly against P. falciparum and P. vivax.

What is it used for?

Prevention of malaria (especially for travelers or people living in malaria-prone areas)

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Malaria

Available Over The Counter

Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.

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What to watch out for

Proguanil is mainly for malaria prevention, not treatment. If you already have malaria symptoms like fever, body pain, and chills, see a doctor for proper treatment. Buy only from reputable pharmacies: brands like Paludrine, Reludrine, Mayanil, or Tegunil are known in Nigeria. Do not stop taking it early even if you feel fine, as you must complete the full course including the 4 weeks after leaving the malaria area.

Common Side Effects

Mild stomach upset or nausea
diarrhoea
mouth ulcers (sores inside the mouth)
mild hair loss with long-term use

Serious Side Effects

Skin rash or allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, or difficulty breathing): go to the hospital immediately. Unusual bleeding
bruising
or signs of blood problems: see a doctor right away.

Drug Interactions

Proguanil may reduce the effectiveness of the typhoid vaccine (oral type), so let your doctor know if you are being vaccinated. Antacids and magnesium-containing medicines can reduce how well proguanil works, so space them at least 2 hours apart. Warfarin (blood-thinning medicine) effects may be increased when taken with proguanil, so your doctor may need to adjust your warfarin dose.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Proguanil is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding at recommended doses, but always consult your doctor before using it, and take folic acid supplements alongside it.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to proguanil or any ingredient in the tablet should not take it. People with severe kidney problems should use a reduced dose or avoid it
so consult your doctor. Proguanil alone may not give full malaria protection in high-risk areas
so it is usually combined with another antimalarial.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near windows. Keep the tablets in their original packaging and far out of the reach of children.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.