Atovaquone

Generic name: Atovaquone
Brand names: Mepron
Dosage form: oral suspension (750 mg/5 mL)
Drug class: Miscellaneous antibiotics

Usage of Atovaquone

Atovaquone interferes with the reproduction of protozoa (single-cell organisms) that can cause disease in the body.

Atovaquone is used to treat or prevent pneumonia caused by a fungal infection called Pneumocystis carinii (also called Pneumocystis jiroveci).

atovaquone is for use in adults and children who are at least 13 years old.

Atovaquone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Atovaquone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Atovaquone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of atovaquone may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

headache;

fever; or

rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Atovaquone

You should not use atovaquone if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver disease; or

a stomach or intestinal disorder.

It is not known whether atovaquone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

Relate drugs

How to use Atovaquone

Usual Adult Dose for Pneumocystis Pneumonia:

750 mg orally twice a day for 21 daysAlternative therapy may be needed if arterial blood gas values do not improve or worsen after 7 to 10 days of therapy, or if the clinical status declines after 4 days.

Usual Adult Dose for Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prophylaxis:

1500 mg orally once a day

Usual Adult Dose for Babesiosis:

750 mg orally twice a day with azithromycin (500 to 600 mg on day 1, followed by 250 to 600 mg once a day thereafter or 1000 mg once a day for 3 days, followed by 500 mg once a day thereafter) for 7 to 10 days

Usual Adult Dose for Malaria:

500 to 750 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 days; should be used in combination with other antimalarial agents

Usual Adult Dose for Toxoplasmosis:

750 mg orally every 6 hours for 2 to 6 monthsSimilar doses given every 6 to 8 hours are used for toxoplasmosis maintenance therapy. Atovaquone is considered second-line therapy for toxoplasmosis. It should be administered in combination with pyrimethamine and leucovorin, with sulfadiazine, or as a single agent in patients intolerant of pyrimethamine with sulfadiazine.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pneumocystis Pneumonia:

1 month to 12 years: 20 mg/kg orally twice a day13 years or older: 750 mg orally twice a day for 21 daysMaximum dose: 1500 mg/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prophylaxis:

1 to 3 months: 30 mg/kg orally once a day4 months up to 2 years: 45 mg/kg orally once a day2 to 12 years: 30 mg/kg orally once a day13 years or older: 1500 mg orally once a dayMaximum dose: 1500 mg/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Babesiosis:

1 to 12 years: 20 mg/kg orally twice a day with azithromycin (12 mg/kg once a day) for 7 to 10 days13 years or older: 750 mg orally twice a day with azithromycin (500 to 600 mg on day 1, followed by 250 to 600 mg once a day thereafter or 1000 mg once a day for 3 days, followed by 500 mg once a day thereafter) for 7 to 10 daysMaximum dose: 1500 mg/day

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Atovaquone

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect atovaquone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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