Oral suspension, tablets
To treat mild to moderately severe Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in patients who cannot take the antibiotic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (the standard therapy for PCP). This serious type of pneumonia is prevalent among patients with AIDS.
Atovaquone prevents infecting cells from manufacturing DNA and other substances necessary for growth and reproduction.
Adults and teenagers-- Oral suspension: 750 mg twice a day, with meals, for 21 days. Tablets: 750 mg, 3 times a day, with meals, for 21 days.
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Take it with meals high in fat content to help the body absorb the medication.
Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not allow to freeze. Keep away from extreme temperatures.
Take it as soon as you remember. This will help keep a constant level of medication in your system. However, if it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosage schedule. Do not double the next dose.
Take it as prescribed for the full treatment period, even if you begin to feel better before the scheduled end of therapy. The decision to stop taking the drug should be made in consultation with your doctor. Stopping the drug prematurely may slow your recovery or lead to a rebound infection.
Therapy with atovaquone requires 21 days. Prolonged use of atovaquone beyond this period may be associated with an increased chance of side effects.
No studies have been done specifically on older patients; adverse reactions may be more likely or more severe.
Do not drive or engage in hazardous work until you determine how the medicine affects you.
No special precautions are necessary.
Adequate human studies on the use of this drug in pregnant women have not been done. Before taking atovaquone, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the relative risks and benefits of using this drug while pregnant.
Atovaquone may pass into breast milk; caution is advised. Consult your doctor for advice.
Adequate studies of the use of atovaquone in children have not been done. Consult your pediatrician for advice.
A regular teaspoon may not hold the correct amount of medication. Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to dispense each dose.
No cases of atovaquone overdose have been reported.
If someone takes a much larger dose than prescribed, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center as soon as possible.
Other drugs may interact with atovaquone. Consult your doctor for specific advice if you are taking rifampin, rifabutin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim combination, or zidovudine.
No known food interactions.
Atovaquone may not work properly in patients with a stomach or an intestinal condition (such as colitis) that limits drug absorption. Consult your doctor for more information.
