What is Atovaquone?
Atovaquone inhibits protozoa's reproduction (single-cell organisms), which can cause illness in the body.Atovaquone is used to treat and stop the development of pneumonia caused by a fungal disease known as Pneumocystis carinii (also known as Pneumocystis jiroveci).Atovaquone is a medication for adults and children aged 13 and older.Atovaquone can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Side effects of Atovaquone
Seek medical attention immediately. If you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction (hives and breathing problems or swelling of your throat or face) or an intense skin reaction (fever or burn sensations in your eyes, skin irritation, and an ailment or redness that causes blisters as well as peeling),
Atovaquone can cause serious adverse effects. Contact your physician immediately in the event you experience:
- Problems with the liver: loss of appetite and stomach discomfort (upper right side) fatigue, the feeling of fatigue, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Common adverse effects of atovaquone could include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea;
- Headache;
- Fever
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow the directions on the medicine label and on the label of your package. Be sure to inform your health care providers about your medical ailments and allergies, as well as the medicines you are taking.
Prior to using this drug
Atovaquone is not a good choice if you have an allergy to it.
Speak to your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Liver disease
- A stomach or intestinal problem.
It is unclear if atovaquone could cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Consult a healthcare provider if you plan to become pregnant in the near future or expecting.It might not be safe to breastfeed your baby while you're taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about any possible risks.
How do I take Atovaquone?
Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medicine exactly as prescribed.Take it along with food.Make sure to shake off the oral suspension (liquid) prior to taking a dosage. Utilise the dosing syringe that comes with it or use a dosage-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).If you're using a pre-measured dose of the foil pouch, you can use the entire amount of medicine contained inside the pouch. Drink it straight out of the pouch or place it in a cup or spoon prior to taking it.You should take atovaquone for the prescribed amount of time, regardless of whether your symptoms do not improve immediately.Store at a cool temperature, far from heat and moisture. Don't freeze.
Info on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Pneumocystis Pneumonia:
250 mg orally daily for 21 days
A different treatment option may be required when arterial blood gas levels don't improve or decrease after 7–10 days of treatment or if the clinical condition improves after four days.
Usual Adult Dose for Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prophylaxis:
1500 mg taken orally, once a day
Usual Adult Dose for Babesiosis:
Dosage: 750 mg twice a day, with azithromycin taken orally twice a day (500 up to 600 mg the first day and then 250 to 600 mg daily after that, or 1000 mg twice per day for 3 consecutive days, then 500 mg every day following that) over 7–10 days.
Usual Adult Dose for Malaria:
500 to 750 mg, orally, daily for 7 days. can be taken in conjunction with antimalarial drugs.
Usual Adult Dose for Toxoplasmosis:
500 mg taken orally in 6 to 8 hours every day for two months
Similar doses that are administered every 6–8 hours are employed to treat the toxoplasmosis maintenance treatment.
Atovaquone is often regarded as a second-line therapy for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. It is recommended to be used together with the drugs pyrimethamine and leucovorin, together with sulfadiazine, or as a stand-alone treatment for patients who are intolerant of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine.
Usual Paediatric Dose for Pneumocystis Pneumonia:
One month up to twelve years of age: 20 mg/kg taken orally every day, twice
13 years old or older: 750 mg taken orally every day, twice per day for 21 days
Maximum dose: 1500 mg/day
Usual Paediatric Dose for Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prophylaxis:
From 1 to 3 months: 30 mg/kg taken orally at least once per day
4 months until 2 years old: 45 mg/kg taken orally at least once per day
Between 2 and 12 years old, 30 mg/kg taken orally, every day, once
13 years and more: 1500 mg taken orally every day, once
Maximum dose: 1500 mg/day
Usual Paediatric Dose for Babesiosis:
1–12 years: 20 mg/kg, orally twice per day, with azithromycin (12 mg/kg, twice daily) over 7–10 days
13 years old or more: 750 mg taken orally twice daily using azithromycin (500 to 600 mg on day one, followed by 250-600 mg daily following that, or 1000 mg once per day for 3 consecutive days, and then 500 mg daily after that) for 7 to 10 days.
Maximum dose: 1500 mg/day
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but avoid your missed dosage if it's close to the time of the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
Aviod this
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any restrictions on your food, drink, or activities.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not advisable to take certain medications in combination. Certain medications can alter the blood levels of other medications that you take, which can create side effects or render the drugs less effective.Other drugs can interact with atovaquone, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about all the medicines you are currently taking and any medication you begin or stop taking.
