Atovaquone (Systemic)

Brand Names : Mepron

Proper Use of This Medicine

It is important that you take atovaquone with a balanced meal . This is to make sure the medicine is fully absorbed into the body and will work properly.

Atovaquone tablets may be crushed if necessary to make it easier to swallow the tablets.

Because atovaquone tablets and oral suspension do not produce the same amount of medicine in the blood, the tablets and the suspension cannot be switched and used in place of each other .

For patients taking the oral liquid form of this medicine:

• This medicine is to be taken by mouth. Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
• Do not use after the expiration date on the label since the medicine may not work properly after that date. Check with your pharmacist if you have any questions about this.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking your medicine for the full time of treatment , even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return.

Atovaquone works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses .

Dosing - The dose of atovaquone may be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of atovaquone. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP):
  • For oral suspension dosage form:
    • Adults and teenagers - 750 milligrams (mg) taken with a meal two times a day for twenty-one days.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For tablet dosage form:
    • Adults and teenagers - 750 mg taken with a meal three times a day for twenty-one days.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

• For prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP):
  • For oral suspension dosage form:
    • Adults and teenagers - 1500 milligrams (mg) once a day with a meal.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. This will help to keep a constant amount of medicine in the blood. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
• Do not freeze.