Atovaquone
Atovaquone is an antiparasitic medication used primarily to treat and prevent Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patients, including those with HIV/AIDS. It is also used to treat toxoplasmosis and for malaria prevention. This quinone antimicrobial works by targeting parasitic energy production, making it effective against organisms that rely on mitochondrial function.
Atovaquone is an antiparasitic drug used to treat and prevent PCP and toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients by inhibiting mitochondrial electron transport in susceptible organisms.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- P01AX06
- RxNorm
- 60212
- Generic
- Atovaquone
- Class
- atc-p01
- Brands
- Mepron, Malarone
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- suspension, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 750mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Not recommended for children under 13 years for PCP treatment
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 750mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when clearly needed for PCP prophylaxis or treatment
routine prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterno specific adjustment
continue if already receiving for prophylaxis or treatment
standard monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
use with caution, consider breastfeeding interruption if infant is premature or has health issues
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants childrenweight-based dosing required
approved for PCP prophylaxis in infants and children, dosing based on body weight
monitor liver function and for GI symptoms
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment, consider renal function
use with caution due to potential age-related renal and hepatic changes
monitor renal and hepatic function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeno dose reduction needed
use with caution in severe impairment, monitor drug levels if available
monitor renal function and drug tolerance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate severelimited data, use with caution
use only if benefits outweigh risks, close monitoring recommended
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Available formulations
Formulation information
Treatment and prevention of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patients; treatment of toxoplasmosis; prevention of malaria (often combined with proguanil as Malarone); treatment of mild-to-moderate PCP.
Atovaquone is a quinone antimicrobial that inhibits parasitic mitochondrial electron transport by targeting the cytochrome bc1 complex. This disruption impairs pyrimidine synthesis, which is essential for DNA replication in susceptible parasites, ultimately halting their growth and survival.
Absorption is enhanced when taken with fatty foods. Common side effects include rash, fever, nausea, and diarrhea. May cause elevated liver enzymes. Contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment. Not recommended as sole therapy for severe PCP. Effectiveness may be reduced in patients with gastrointestinal disorders affecting absorption.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy