About atovaquone
Antiprotozoal and antimalarial
Used for
- Treats mild-to-moderate Pneumocystis pneumonia in adults and children
- Prevents Pneumocystis pneumonia when other preventive medicines are unsuitable
- Treats babesiosis, usually with azithromycin
- Used with proguanil to prevent or treat malaria
Usual adult dose
Pneumocystis pneumonia: 750 mg twice daily for 21 days. Prevention: 1,500 mg once daily. Malaria doses differ when combined with proguanil.
Usual dose in children
Pneumocystis pneumonia: 20 mg/kg twice daily for 21 days, up to 750 mg per dose. Prevention: 30 mg/kg once daily, up to 1,500 mg.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Headache or rash
- Fever
- Raised liver enzymes
Important warnings
- Take with food, preferably a meal containing fat, for better absorption.
- Severe or persistent diarrhea may reduce absorption and treatment effectiveness.
- Liver injury and serious allergic reactions are possible.
- Not suitable as sole treatment for severe Pneumocystis pneumonia.
Pregnancy
Use depends on the infection and available alternatives; pregnancy safety information is limited. Atovaquone-proguanil is generally avoided for malaria prevention during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Human information is limited. Consider the need for treatment and potential infant exposure with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Rifampin or rifabutin can lower atovaquone levels.
- Tetracycline may lower atovaquone levels.
- Metoclopramide may lower atovaquone levels.
- Taking with food improves absorption.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.