What is atovaquone?
Atovaquone is a type of antibiotic that fights protozoa in the body.
Atovaquone is used to prevent and treat serious infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia.
Atovaquone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
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stomach or intestinal disease; or
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special dietary restrictions.
You may not be able to take atovaquone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Atovaquone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether atovaquone will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether atovaquone passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Take atovaquone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take atovaquone with meals to increase the amount of drug your body absorbs.
To take atovaquone from the bottle:
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Gently shake the bottle.
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To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of atovaquone with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.
To take atovaquone from the foil pouch:
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Gently shake the pouch.
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Open the pouch by removing the tab at the perforation and tear at the notch.
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Place the contents into a dosing spoon or cup or directly into the mouth.
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Take the entire contents by mouth.
Take all of the atovaquone that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Store atovaquone at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Take the rest of the day’s doses at evenly spaced intervals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
If you experience an allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of your throat; or hives), stop taking atovaquone and seek emergency medical attention.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take atovaquone and talk to your doctor if you experience
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fever;
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nausea or vomiting;
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a rash;
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diarrhea;
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difficulty falling asleep;
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headache;
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cough;
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abdominal pain;
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sinus inflammation or runny nose;
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shortness of breath;
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loss of appetite;
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anxiety;
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weakness;
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dizziness;
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heartburn; or
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an unpleasant or metallic taste in your mouth.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Take atovaquone with meals to increase the amount of drug your body absorbs.
Take all of the atovaquone that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during therapy with atovaquone unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Before taking atovaquone, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
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rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, others)
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rifabutin (Mycobutin)
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tetracycline (Sumycin, Panmycin, others); or
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metoclopramide (Reglan).
You may not be able to take atovaquone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with atovaquone. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of an atovaquone overdose are not well known but may include a rash.