Atovaquone

What it is used for

Atovaquone oral suspension is a quinone antimicrobial drug indicated for: Prevention of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older who cannot tolerate trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Treatment of mild-to-moderate PCP in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older who cannot tolerate TMP-SMX.

Limitations of Use: Treatment of severe PCP (alveolar arterial oxygen diffusion gradient [(A-a)DO 2 ] >45 mm Hg) with atovaquone oral suspension has not been studied. The efficacy of atovaquone oral suspension in subjects who are failing therapy with TMP-SMX has also not been studied. Prevention of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia Atovaquone oral suspension is indicated for the prevention of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in adults and adolescents (aged 13 years and older) who cannot tolerate trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX).

Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia Atovaquone oral suspension is indicated for the acute oral treatment of mild-to-moderate PCP in adults and adolescents (aged 13 years and older) who cannot tolerate TMP-SMX. Limitations of Use Clinical experience with atovaquone for the treatment of PCP has been limited to subjects with mild-to-moderate PCP (alveolar-arterial oxygen diffusion gradient [(A-a)DO 2 ] ≤45 mm Hg).

Treatment of more severe episodes of PCP with atovaquone has not been studied. The efficacy of atovaquone in subjects who are failing therapy with TMP-SMX has also not been studied.

Side effects, and when to stop

The following adverse reaction are discussed in another section of the labeling:

• Hepatotoxicity.
• Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions

Who should not take it

Atovaquone oral suspension is contraindicated in patients who develop or have a history of hypersensitivity reactions to atovaquone or any of the components of atovaquone oral suspension.