atovaquone Health Article

Generic name(s):

atovaquone

Brand name(s):

Mepron

What is the most important information I should know about atovaquone?

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.

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.

Who should not take atovaquone?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• stomach or intestinal disease; or

• 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.

How should I take atovaquone?

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:

• Gently shake the bottle.

• 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:

• Gently shake the pouch.

• Open the pouch by removing the tab at the perforation and tear at the notch.

• Place the contents into a dosing spoon or cup or directly into the mouth.

• 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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an atovaquone overdose are not well known but may include a rash.

What should I avoid while taking atovaquone?

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during therapy with atovaquone unless your doctor directs otherwise.