Hi, there!

Medicines by therapeutic class

Get more features! Download the app now

Medicine Reminders

Monthly/weekly subscriptions

Health records and analysis

24*7 Emergency services

Choose city

Enter 10 digit mobile number

+91

By signing in you agree to our

Terms & conditions

and

Proguanil

Written By Dr. Lipika Khurana

Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev Sharma

Last updated 25 Nov 2025 | 09:34 AM (UTC)

Proguanil Uses

Proguanil is used in the treatment of malaria.

How Proguanil works

Proguanil is an antiparasitic medication which treats malaria. It works by increasing the levels of haeme in the blood, a substance toxic to the malarial parasite. This kills the parasite and stops the infection from spreading.

Common side effects of Proguanil

Nausea, Headache, Abdominal pain, Abnormal liver function tests, Muscle pain

Want to Know More

Read Our Editorial Policy

Medicine brands for Proguanil

Promal

Astrum Healthcare Pvt Ltd

₹54 to ₹54

1 variant(s)

Laveran

Unicure India Pvt Ltd

₹75 to ₹75

1 variant(s)

Progunal

Lexica Drugs & Formulations Pvt Ltd

Healing Pharma India Pvt Ltd

Expert advice for Proguanil

Proguanil should be taken with food to prevent a stomach upset.
Finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
Tips to reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes:
- Wear light-colored and covered clothing when you are outside after sunset.
- Use insect repellent creams or sprays on parts of your body not covered by clothing.
- Spray to kill any mosquitoes that may have entered rooms in spite of screening.
If you vomit within 1 hour of taking the tablets, take another dose.
Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).
Proguanil should be taken on an empty stomach.
Finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
Tips to reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes:
- Wear light-colored and covered clothing when you are outside after sunset.
- Use insect repellent creams or sprays on parts of your body not covered by clothing.
- Spray to kill any mosquitoes that may have entered rooms in spite of screening.
If you vomit within 1 hour of taking the tablets, take another dose.
Inform your doctor if you have kidney liver or heart disease.

Frequently asked questions for Proguanil

Q. Who should not use Proguanil?

Use of Proguanil should be avoided in patients who are allergic to Proguanil or any of its components. However, if you are not aware of any allergy or if you are using Proguanil for the first time, consult your doctor.

Q. What should I tell my doctor before starting treatment with Proguanil?

Before starting treatment with Proguanil, tell your doctor if you have any other health conditions like kidney or heart-related problems. This is because certain medical conditions may affect your treatment and you may even need dose modifications. Also, let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Q. Is Proguanil safe?

Proguanil is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Proguanil?

If you forget a dose of Proguanil, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

Q. Can I stop taking Proguanil when I feel better?

No, do not stop taking Proguanil without consulting your doctor even if you are feeling better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Therefore, for better and complete treatment, it is advised to continue your treatment for the prescribed duration.

Q. How long does it take for malaria symptoms to show?

Symptoms of malaria can develop as quickly as 7 days after you are being bitten by an infected mosquito. Typically, the time between being infected and the appearance of symptoms (incubation period) is 7 to 18 days. However, in some cases it can take up to one year for the symptoms to develop. Initial symptoms of malaria are flu-like which include feeling hot and shivery, muscle pains, vomiting, headaches and diarrhea.

Q. How can you prevent yourself from getting malaria?

Malaria can be avoided by taking the right approach towards prevention. Avoid mosquito bites by covering your arms and legs, using mosquito net and insect repellent. Check with your doctor whether you need to take malaria prevention tablets. If you do, make sure you take the right antimalarial tablets at the right dose, and finish the proper course of treatment. Seek immediate medical advice from the doctor if you have malaria symptoms.

Expert advice for Proguanil

Proguanil should be taken with food to prevent a stomach upset.
Finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
Tips to reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes:
- Wear light-colored and covered clothing when you are outside after sunset.
- Use insect repellent creams or sprays on parts of your body not covered by clothing.
- Spray to kill any mosquitoes that may have entered rooms in spite of screening.
If you vomit within 1 hour of taking the tablets, take another dose.
Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).
Proguanil should be taken on an empty stomach.
Finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
Tips to reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes:
- Wear light-colored and covered clothing when you are outside after sunset.
- Use insect repellent creams or sprays on parts of your body not covered by clothing.
- Spray to kill any mosquitoes that may have entered rooms in spite of screening.
If you vomit within 1 hour of taking the tablets, take another dose.
Inform your doctor if you have kidney liver or heart disease.