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Generic Name: atovaquone (a TOE va kwone)
Brand Names: Mepron

What is atovaquone?

Atovaquone is a type of antibiotic that fights protozoa in the body.

Atovaquone is used to prevent and treat serious infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia.

Atovaquone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about atovaquone?

Who should not take atovaquone?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• stomach or intestinal disease; or

• special dietary restrictions.

You may not be able to take atovaquone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

How should I take atovaquone?

Take atovaquone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

To take atovaquone from the bottle:

• Gently shake the bottle.

• To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of atovaquone with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.

To take atovaquone from the foil pouch:

• Gently shake the pouch.

• Open the pouch by removing the tab at the perforation and tear at the notch.

• Place the contents into a dosing spoon or cup or directly into the mouth.

• Take the entire contents by mouth.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Take the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an atovaquone overdose are not well known but may include a rash.

What should I avoid while taking atovaquone?

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during therapy with atovaquone unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Atovaquone side effects

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take atovaquone and talk to your doctor if you experience

• fever;

• nausea or vomiting;

• a rash;

• diarrhea;

• difficulty falling asleep;

• headache;

• cough;

• abdominal pain;

• sinus inflammation or runny nose;

• shortness of breath;

• loss of appetite;

• anxiety;

• weakness;

• dizziness;

• heartburn; or

• an unpleasant or metallic taste in your mouth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect atovaquone?

Before taking atovaquone, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, others)

• rifabutin (Mycobutin)

• tetracycline (Sumycin, Panmycin, others); or

• metoclopramide (Reglan).

You may not be able to take atovaquone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with atovaquone. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about atovaquone written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Atovaquone is available with a prescription under the brand name Mepron. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Mepron 750 mg/5ml--bright yellow suspension

• Mepron 750 mg/5ml--bright yellow suspension in 5 mL foil pouch

• Mepron 1,500 mg/10ml--bright yellow suspension in 10 mL foil pouch

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children. Never share your medicines with others and only use this medicine for the illness for which your doctor prescribed it.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.