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How does it work?

Atovaquone is a medicine that is used to treat chest infections caused by Pneumocystis carinii also known as PCP (Pneumocystis carnii Pneumonia) infections. It also has an antimalarial action and is used with a medicine called proguanil to treat malaria. Atovaquone works by interfering with the production of folinic acid. Folinic acid is essential in the production of new genetic material (DNA). DNA is necessary for the pneumocystis cells to reproduce, therefore by blocking it's formation atovaquone prevents them from increasing in number. Pneumocystis carinii is a chest infection that is commonly seen in those who have poor immune system function, or those who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Pneumocystis carinii is usually treated with co-trimoxazole, however atovaquone is used in those patients with mild to moderate infections who cannot take co-trimoxazole due to intolerable side effects.

What is it used for?

- Pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), often seen in patients with decreased immune system function

Warning!

- Diarrhoea at the start of or during treatment can lead to treatment failure. Alternative therapies should be considered if this occurs or if there is difficulty in taking the medication with food.

Use with caution in

- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Diarrhoea
- Elderly people

Not to be used in

- Children

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

- Take this medication with or after food.

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