Atovaquone

Conditions Treated

Atovaquone is used to treat Pneumocystis jiroveci [Pneumocystis carinii] pneumonia (PCP; type of pneumonia most likely to affect people with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) in teenagers and adults. Atovaquone is also used to prevent PCP in teenagers and adults who cannot take another medication used for prevention. Atovaquone is in a class of medications called antiprotozoal agents. It works by stopping the growth of certain types of protozoa that can cause pneumonia.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Atovaquone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• headache
• dizziness
• anxiety
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash
• fever
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, mouth, or throat
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• hoarseness or throat tightness

Atovaquone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Atovaquone comes as a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. When atovaquone is used to treat pneumonia, it is usually taken with meals twice a day for 21 days. When atovaquone is used to prevent pneumonia, it is usually taken with a meal once a day. Take atovaquone at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take atovaquone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If your medication comes in a bottle, shake the bottle gently before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use a dose measuring spoon or a cup to measure the correct amount of liquid for each dose, not a regular household spoon. If your medication comes in a packet, you may drink the medication directly from the packet or pour the medication into a dosing spoon or cup. Take this medication until you finish the prescription. Do not stop taking the medication early even if you are taking it to treat pneumonia and you feel better. If you stop taking atovaquone too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated or you may not be protected from future infections. If you have PCP, you may also have other types of lung infections. Atovaquone will not treat these infections. Your doctor may prescribe other antibiotics for you to take along with this medication.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking atovaquone, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to atovaquone, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in atovaquone suspension. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: rifabutin (Mycobutin) or rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had stomach or intestinal disorders or liver disease.