Atovaquone

Atovaquone treats and prevents a type of bacterial pneumonia that can develop in patients with AIDS. Take it with food.

Atovaquone Overview

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Atovaquone is a prescription medication used to prevent and treat Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP), a rare type of pneumonia usually only seen in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Atovaquone belongs to a group of medications called antiprotozoal agents, which work by stopping the growth of protozoa which can cause pneumonia.

Atovaquone is available as an oral liquid. It is taken once daily to prevent PCP and twice a day to treat PCP. Atovaquone should be taken with a meal.

Common side effects include diarrhea, rash, headache and nausea. 

How was your experience with Atovaquone?

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What are you taking Atovaquone for?

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  • Other
  • Malaria
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis
  • Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral

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  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

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Atovaquone Cautionary Labels

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precautionsprecautions

Uses of Atovaquone

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Atovaquone is a prescription medication used to prevent and treat Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP), a rare type of pneumonia usually seen in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Atovaquone is generally used if other treatments are not able to be used.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Atovaquone Brand Names

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Atovaquone may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Atovaquone Drug Class

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Side Effects of Atovaquone

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Serious side effects have been reported with atovaquone. See "Atovaquone Precautions" section.

Common side effects of atovaquone include:

  • Rash
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Cough
  • Sweating

This is not a complete list of atovaquone side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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