What it is used for
- Treatment and prevention of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in people who cannot take standard medicines
- Toxoplasmosis in certain situations
- Part of malaria combinations (with proguanil)
How it works
Atovaquone blocks the energy-producing machinery inside parasites, cutting off their energy supply so they cannot survive and multiply.
How it is taken
Taken as an oral liquid suspension (for Pneumocystis-related uses) or as a tablet in malaria combinations, always with food — especially fatty food — which greatly improves absorption. It is taken as a daily course or for prevention. Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist directs.
No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Headache
- Fever
- Difficulty sleeping
- Stomach pain
Serious effects — get help
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as facial swelling or breathing difficulty — seek emergency care
- Severe skin reaction with blistering or peeling — seek emergency care
- Signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes — seek urgent care
- Worsening breathing or fever during PCP treatment — seek urgent care
If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.
Interactions to watch
- Rifampicin and rifabutin (can lower atovaquone levels)
- Tetracycline antibiotics
- Metoclopramide
- Some HIV medicines
- Medicines that reduce absorption
Who should take care
- Always take with food, ideally fatty food, because poor absorption can make it ineffective
- Tell your clinician about stomach or bowel conditions that affect absorption
- Report liver problems
- Inform your clinician if pregnant or breastfeeding
- If you have severe diarrhea or trouble eating, tell your clinician, as the medicine may not absorb well