Atovaquone

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat a specific type of pneumonia. It can also be used to prevent this same pneumonia. Other uses include treatment or prevention of a brain infection.
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

How does it work?

• Atovaquone may inhibit the metabolism of the bug causing the infection. This may cure the pneumonia or prevent you from getting the pneumonia.
• It may treat the brain infection or prevent you from getting the infection.

How is it best taken?

• Take with meals. Include food with fat in it. Food increases the medicine's absorption into your body.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible, but make sure to take with a meal.
• If it is almost time for the next dose or you have already eaten, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Tell healthcare provider if you are taking rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin. These medicines may decrease the effectiveness of atovaquone.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust.
• Breast-feeding is not recommended.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Headaches. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Rash.
• Inability to sleep.
• Fever.
• Diarrhea.
• Cough.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for temperature or worsening of infection.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in tight container at room temperature. Do not freeze.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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