Has your doctor prescribed this medicine called Atovaquone to you or someone you know? Since it comes in a liquid form, you may be a little curious and hesitant about how to use it, the side effects, and the side effects. Don't worry, today we will talk about this medicine in a simple way that you can understand. Think of this as advice from a friend.
What exactly is Atovaquone?
Simply put, Atovaquone is an anti-infective drug . This means that it is used to treat and prevent infections caused by certain microorganisms in the body.
This medicine is used to treat and prevent a serious lung infection called Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) . This condition, called PCP, usually occurs in people with weakened immune systems. For example, people with HIV, those undergoing cancer treatment, or those who have had an organ transplant are at higher risk of developing this type of infection. So, doctors prescribe this medicine in such cases.
In addition, this medicine can be used for other infections as well. Your doctor will explain this to you in detail.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health before starting any medication. Especially before starting Atovaquone, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Information type | What to tell the doctor |
|---|---|
| Existing medical conditions | If you have liver disease or stomach problems. |
| Allergies | If you have had an allergic reaction to atovaquone or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
What is the best way to use the medicine?
Since this is an oral suspension, it is very important to know exactly how to use it.
- Take with food: This is the most important thing. Always take this medicine with a meal. Doing so will help the body absorb the medicine better. Taking it on an empty stomach may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
- Shake well before use: Shake the bottle well before using the medicine. This will help the ingredients in the medicine mix well.
- Use an accurate measuring device: Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure the exact dose your doctor has prescribed. Household teaspoons and tablespoons will not work. They are different sizes, so you may get the wrong dose. If you do not have such a measuring device, ask your doctor about it.
- Take it on time: Take your medicine at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than prescribed or skip the prescribed time.
- Finish the entire course of medication: Even if you feel a little better, finish the entire course of medication prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, stopping halfway may prevent the infection from fully healing and may cause it to come back.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to someone else, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
Do you need to be careful when giving it to children?
Yes. This medicine can be prescribed to children over the age of 13 in some special cases. But talk to your pediatrician about it and give the medicine to your child only on his/her advice.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take double doses to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Atovaquone. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, those you buy from a pharmacy, traditional medicines, vitamins, herbal products). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
| Medications that may cause problems |
|---|
| Metoclopramide |
| rifampin |
| rifabutin |
| And other medications... (This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about everything you're taking.) |
Side effects that may occur when taking medication
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some side effects are serious, while others are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, sore throat, white sores in the mouth. |
| Other serious symptoms | Unusual bleeding or bruising, extreme tiredness or fatigue. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Cough | Stomach ache |
| Diarrhea | Insomnia |
| Headache | Unusual sweating |
| Nausea, vomiting | Runny nose |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about it.
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius).
- Never freeze.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Always take Atovaquone with a meal .
- Measure the medicine, using the correct measuring device provided.
- Even if you feel well, finish the entire dose of medicine prescribed by the doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Be aware of serious side effects (such as allergies, difficulty breathing), and seek medical advice immediately if any occur.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else.
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