(uh-TOE-vuh-kwone)
Atovaquone (Mepron™) is a drug that is used to treat or prevent infections caused by certain protozoa, and other opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. Most commonly, it is used in the treatment of infections caused by Pneumocystis carinii (PCP), Toxoplasma gondii and malaria. It is available as a suspension that is taken orally.
Show All- Tell your child's doctor if your child has a history of kidney, liver, or heart disease.
- Tell your child's doctor about other medications, including herbal or over-the-counter medicines, that your child is taking.
- Tell your child's doctor if he/she is also taking rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) or rifabutin (Mycobutin). Atovaquone may not work as well if taken with either of these two medicines.
- Shake bottle before use.
- Take with a meal, preferably one that is high in fat.
- Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle/package.
- Keep using this medicine for full treatment time even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
- If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC, 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222), or call your child's doctor immediately.
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach and abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Cough
- Severe nausea/vomiting
- Rash or hives
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe stomach pain
- Allergic reaction: itching/hives, swelling in your face or hands
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
