ATOVAQUONE
BRAND NAME:- MEPRON
ATOVAQUONE is an antimicrobial indicated for the prevention and treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and for the prevention and treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
PHARMACOLOGY & MECHANISM OF ACTION:-
This synthetic naphthoquinone is a rapidly acting erythrocytic schizontocide as well as active against preerythrocytic stage of P.falciparum and other plasmodia . Pneumocystis jiroveci and Toxoplasma gondii are also susceptible to atovaquone . It collapses plasmodial mitochondrial membrane and interferes with ATP production. Proguanil potentiates its antimalarial action and prevent emergence of resistance.
Atovaquone is a competitive inhibitor of ubiquinol, specifically inhibiting the mitochondrial electron transport chain at the bc1 complex. Inhibition of bc1 activity results in a loss of mitochondrial function. Several metabolic enzymes are linked to the mitochondrial electron transport chain via ubiquinone. Inhibition of electron transport by atovaquone will result in indirect inhibition of these enzymes. The ultimate metabolic effects of such blockade may include inhibition of nucleic acid and ATP synthesis. Atovaquone also has been shown to have good in vitro activity against Toxoplasma gondii.
DOSE:-
A fixed dose oral combination of the two drugs is used for 3 day treatment of uncomplicated CQ- resistant P. Falciparum as well as P.vivax malaria in the USA and some other countries,but not in INDIA 🇮🇳 . Taken once daily with food, this combination is also used as a prophylactic by non immune travellers visiting endemic areas.
USED:- TO prevent or treat a serious lung infection called Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). This medication helps to stop infection symptoms such as fever, cough, tiredness, and shortness of breath.
SIDE EFFECTS:-
Common side are
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or runny nose may occur and is contraindicated during pregnancy. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
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