Atovaquone (Atovaquone)
Overview of Atovaquone
Atovaquone is an anprotozoal, and a highly lipophilic analog of ubiquinone. It interferes with mitochondrial electron transport and related processes in suseptible malaria parasites. It has potent activity against blood stages of plasmodia, tachyzoites and cyst formsof T.gondii, the fungus P.carinii, and Babesia species. Atovaqunone is used with a biguanide for the treatment of malariato obtain optimal clinical results and avoid emergence of drug-resultant plasmodial strains.
Indication of Atovaquone
Atovaquone is primarily indicated in conditions like Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, Prophylaxis of acid aspiration in obstetric patients, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Acute toxoplasmic encephalitis, Malaria, Prophylaxis of p-carinii pneumonia.
Contraindication of Atovaquone
Atovaquone is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Atovaquone
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Atovaquone, which give rise to further complications include Maculopapular rash.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Atovaquone are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fever, Insomnia, Rashes, Asthenia, Anemia.
Precautions of Atovaquone
Atovaquone should be used with caution in initial diarrhoea and difficulty in taking with food may reduce absorption (and require alternative therapy); other causes of pulmonary disease should be saught and treated; elderly; hepatic and renal impairment; avoid breast-feeding.