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Uses

What is atovaquone used for?

Atovaquone is commonly used for prevention or treatment of pneumonia caused by a fungus called Pneumocystis jirovecii. This infection is called Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP).

Atovaquone may not be appropriate for the infection listed above, depending on which fungi are causing the infection. Fungi in some locations may have developed resistance to atovaquone, which will make it not work as well.

Atovaquone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does atovaquone work (mechanism of action)?

Atovaquone shuts down production of substances and energy needed for the fungus to grow and reproduce.

How is atovaquone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Mepron

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 750 mg/5 mL oral suspension 

How should I store atovaquone?

Atovaquone should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of atovaquone?

The most common side effects of atovaquone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea
  • Rash 
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever

There may be other side effects of atovaquone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of atovaquone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of atovaquone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Atovaquone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking atovaquone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking atovaquone. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use atovaquone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take atovaquone.

  • Atovaquone
  • Mepron
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific atovaquone products they stock.

What should I know about atovaquone before using it?

Do not take atovaquone unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share atovaquone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep atovaquone out of the reach of children.

Take atovaquone with a high fat food such as peanut butter or a high fat drink such as whole milk to help the medicine get absorbed into your body.

If you are taking the medicine from a bottle, shake the medicine bottle gently each time before you use it. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device. 

If you are taking the medicine from foil pouches, be sure to take all of the medicine contained in each pouch to equal the dose prescribed by your healthcare provider. You can empty the medicine from the pouch into a spoon or cup before you take it, or you can take the medicine directly from the pouch.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using atovaquone?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if atovaquone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Atovaquone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking atovaquone, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how atovaquone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if atovaquone passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take atovaquone while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does atovaquone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between atovaquone and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between atovaquone and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does atovaquone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking atovaquone.

  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Rifabutin (Mycobutin), which is a medicine used to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex infection
  • Tetracycline, which is medicine used to treat a variety of infections
  • Metoclopramide (Reglan and others), which is a medicine used for certain stomach problems

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with atovaquone. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much atovaquone?

If you or someone else has used too much atovaquone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of atovaquone?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of atovaquone, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to atovaquone or other similar medicines.