Atovaquone is used to prevent or treat a certain type of pneumonia (an infection that causes inflammation of one or both lungs) in individuals who are unable to tolerate the combination medicine trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (a certain antibiotic).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Atovaquone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal, preferably foods that are high in fat. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Shake the bottle of the oral suspension well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Do not mix it with any other liquid. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your infection.
Take Atovaquone at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use Atovaquone if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- stomach or bowel problems e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Atovaquone to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Inform your doctor if you have difficulty taking this medicine with food as this may affect how well the medicine is absorbed into your body. Your doctor may consider a different treatment for you.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine test (e.g. liver function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have this test.
- Regular monitoring for vomiting or diarrhoea after taking Atovaquone and for signs of allergic reactions may also be needed.
Atovaquone may cause any of the following side effects: headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, cough, runny or stuffy nose, fever, excessive sweating, muscle pain, and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, lips or throat
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. efavirenz, indinavir, zidovudine
- certain antibiotics e.g. tetracycline
- medicines for constipation or diarrhoea
- metoclopramide (medicine for nausea and vomiting)
- paracetamol (medicine for fever or mild to moderate pain)
- etoposide (medicine for cancer)
- aciclovir (medicine to treat viral infection)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Atovaquone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Do not freeze the oral suspension otherwise, it will become less effective. Throw away any unused portion after 21 days.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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