Atovaquone (Systemic)
Brand Names : Mepron
Proper Use of This MedicineIt 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.
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