Atovaquone Oral Suspension

Generic Name: atovaquone oral suspension

Antimalarial [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Atovaquone

11 DESCRIPTION Atovaquone oral suspension USP is a quinone antimicrobial drug. The chemical name of atovaquone is trans-2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclohexyl]-3-hydroxy-1,4-naphthalenedione. Atovaquone is a yellow crystalline solid that is practically insoluble in water. It has a molecular weight of 366.84 and the molecular formula C 22 H 19 ClO 3 . The compound has the following structural formula: Atovaquone oral suspension USP is a formulation of micro-fine particles of atovaquone, USP.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Atovaquone oral suspension USP is a quinone antimicrobial drug. The chemical name of atovaquone is trans-2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclohexyl]-3-hydroxy-1,4-naphthalenedione. Atovaquone is a yellow crystalline solid that is practically insoluble in water. It has a molecular weight of 366.84 and the molecular formula C 22 H 19 ClO 3 . The compound has the following structural formula: Atovaquone oral suspension USP is a formulation of micro-fine particles of atovaquone, USP.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Atovaquone oral suspension is a quinone antimicrobial drug indicated for: Prevention of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older who cannot tolerate trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). ( 1.1 ) Treatment of mild-to-moderate PCP in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older who cannot tolerate TMP-SMX. ( 1.2 ) Limitations of Use ( 1.3 ): Treatment of severe PCP (alveolar arterial oxygen diffusion gradient [(A-a)DO2] >45 mm Hg) with atovaquone has not been studied. The efficacy of atovaquone in subjects who are failing therapy with TMP-SMX has also not been studied.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Prevention of PCP: 1,500 mg (10 mL) once daily with food ( 2.1 ) • Treatment of PCP: 750 mg (5 mL) twice daily with food for 21 days ( 2.2 ) • Supplied in a unit dose cup Shake gently before use. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Dosage for the Prevention of P. jirovecii Pneumonia The recommended oral dosage is 1,500 mg (10 mL) once daily administered with food. 2.2 Dosage for the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate P. jirovecii Pneumonia The recommended oral dosage is 750 mg (5 mL) twice daily (total daily dose = 1,500 mg) administered with food for 21 days.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . • PCP Prevention: The most frequent adverse reactions (≥25% that required discontinuation) were diarrhea, rash, headache, nausea, and fever. ( 6.1 ) • PCP Treatment: The most frequent adverse reactions (≥ 14% that required discontinuation) were rash (including maculopapular), nausea, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, and fever. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact PAI Pharma at 1-800-845-8210 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Concomitant administration of rifampin or rifabutin reduces atovaquone concentrations; concomitant use with atovaquone oral suspension is not recommended. ( 7.1 ) Concomitant administration of tetracycline reduces atovaquone concentrations; use caution when coadministering. Monitor patients for potential loss of efficacy of atovaquone if coadministration of tetracycline is necessary. ( 7.2 ) Concomitant administration with metoclopramide reduces atovaquone concentrations; administer concomitantly only if other antiemetics are not available. ( 7.3 ) Concomitant administration of indinavir reduces indinavir trough concentrations; use caution when coadministering. Monitor patients for potential loss of efficacy of indinavir if coadministration is necessary.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Failure to administer atovaquone oral suspension with food may result in lower plasma atovaquone concentrations and may limit response to therapy. Patients with gastrointestinal disorders may have limited absorption resulting in suboptimal atovaquone concentrations. ( 5.1 ) Hepatotoxicity: Elevated liver chemistry tests and cases of hepatitis and fatal liver failure have been reported. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Risk of Limited Oral Absorption Absorption of orally administered atovaquone oral suspension is limited but can be significantly increased when the drug is taken with food. Failure to administer atovaquone oral suspension with food may result in lower plasma atovaquone concentrations and may limit response to therapy. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Atovaquone oral suspension is contraindicated in patients who develop or have a history of hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., angioedema, bronchospasm, throat tightness, urticaria) to atovaquone or any of the components of atovaquone oral solution.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from postmarketing experience with use of atovaquone in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Pregnant women with HIV who are infected with PCP are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (see Clinical Considerations).

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Atovaquone oral suspension USP (bright yellow, tutti frutti flavored) containing 750 mg atovaquone per 5 mL. NDC 0904-7459-41 5 mL unit dose cup. Case contains 18 unit dose cups of 5 mL (0904-7459-25), package in 3 trays of 6 unit dose cups each, 42 unit dose cups of 5 mL (NDC 0904-7459-53), package in 7 trays of 6 unit dose cups each.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atovaquone Oral Suspension used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Atovaquone oral suspension is a quinone antimicrobial drug indicated for: Prevention of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older who cannot tolerate trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). ( 1.1 ) Treatment of mild-to-moderate PCP in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older who cannot tolerate TMP-SMX. ( 1.2 ) Limitations of Use ( 1.3 ): Treatment of severe PCP (alveolar arterial oxygen diffusion gradient [(A-a)DO2] >45 mm Hg) with atovaquone has not been studied. The efficacy of atovaquone in subjects who are failing therapy with TMP-SMX has also not been studied.

What are the side effects of Atovaquone Oral Suspension?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . • PCP Prevention: The most frequent adverse reactions (≥25% that required discontinuation) were diarrhea, rash, headache, nausea, and fever. ( 6.1 ) • PCP Treatment: The most frequent adverse reactions (≥ 14% that required discontinuation) were rash (including maculopapular), nausea, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, and fever. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact PAI Pharma at 1-800-845-8210 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Can I take Atovaquone Oral Suspension during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from postmarketing experience with use of atovaquone in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Pregnant women with HIV who are infected with PCP are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (see Clinical Considerations).

What are the important warnings for Atovaquone Oral Suspension?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Failure to administer atovaquone oral suspension with food may result in lower plasma atovaquone concentrations and may limit response to therapy. Patients with gastrointestinal disorders may have limited absorption resulting in suboptimal atovaquone concentrations. ( 5.1 ) Hepatotoxicity: Elevated liver chemistry tests and cases of hepatitis and fatal liver failure have been reported. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Risk of Limited Oral Absorption Absorption of orally administered atovaquone oral suspension is limited but can be significantly increased when the drug is taken with food. Failure to administer atovaquone oral suspension with food may result in lower plasma atovaquone concentrations and may limit response to therapy. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Atovaquone oral suspension is contraindicated in patients who develop or have a history of hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., angioedema, bronchospasm, throat tightness, urticaria) to atovaquone or any of the components of atovaquone oral solution.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.