Brand Name(s): Mepron
Generic Name Atovaquone Oral Suspension
What is atovaquone oral suspension?
ATOVAQUONE (Mepron®) is an antiinfective agent used to treat or prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). It is also used for the prevention or treatment of toxoplasmosis. These infections commonly affect patients whose immune systems are not working properly such as HIV-infected (AIDS) patients. In some areas of the world, this medication is used to treat or prevent malaria. Generic atovaquone oral suspension is not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•decreased appetite or poor eating habits
•continual diarrhea, or other stomach or intestine problems
•an unusual or allergic reaction to atovaquone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take atovaquone oral suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake gently before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
You must take atovaquone with food, a meal, or with a full glass of a nutritional supplement shake to make sure the medication is absorbed into your system. Your infection may not be treated properly if you fail to take your medicine with food.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with atovaquone?
•bosentan
•lopinavir; ritonavir
•rifampin
•rifabutin
•rifapentine
•ritonavir
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking atovaquone?
It is not easy to tell which side effects occur from taking atovaquone or result from the disease being treated. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•difficulty breathing or increased shortness of breath
•increased coughing
•fever or chills
•sore throat or white patches in the mouth (thrush)
•skin rash, itching
•unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•headache
•nausea, vomiting
•runny nose, sinus problems
•stomach pain
What should I watch for while taking atovaquone?
You must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in a few days, or if your symptoms are getting worse.
It is important to take atovaquone with meals, as the presence of food increases absorption of atovaquone from the stomach. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your stomach is continually upset, or atovaquone causes nausea and vomiting. Stomach problems can stop atovaquone being absorbed into your blood stream.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:01/27/2002 |
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