Mepron (Atovaquone) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Mepron

Pneumonia »

Pneumonia facts

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by different types of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Symptoms of pneumonia include cough with sputum production, fever, and sharp chest pain on inspiration (breathing in).
Pneumonia is suspected when a doctor hears abnormal sounds in the chest, and the diagnosis is confirmed by a chest X-ray.
Bacteria causing pneumonia can be identified by sputum culture.
A pleural effusion is a fluid collection around the inflamed lung.
Bacterial and fungal (but not viral) pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs which is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, one-third of all people who developed pneumonia subsequently died fro...

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MEPRON®
(atovaquone) Suspension

DRUG DESCRIPTION

MEPRON (atovaquone) is an antiprotozoal agent. 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 C₂₂H₁₉ClO₃. The compound has the following structural formula:

MEPRON® (atovaquone) Structural Formula Illustration

MEPRON (atovaquone) Suspension is a formulation of micro-fine particles of atovaquone. The atovaquone particles, reduced in size to facilitate absorption, are significantly smaller than those in the previously marketed tablet formulation. MEPRON (atovaquone) Suspension is for oral administration and is bright yellow with a citrus flavor. Each teaspoonful (5 mL) contains 750 mg of atovaquone and the inactive ingredients benzyl alcohol, flavor, poloxamer 188, purified water, saccharin sodium, and xanthan gum.

Microbiology

Mechanism of Action: Atovaquone is a hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, an analog of ubiquinone, with antipneumocystis activity. The mechanism of action against Pneumocystis carinii has not been fully elucidated. In Plasmodium species, the site of action appears to be the cytochrome bc1 complex (Complex III). 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.

Activity In Vitro: Several laboratories, using different in vitro methodologies, have shown the IC₅₀ (50% inhibitory concentration) of atovaquone against rat P. carinii to be in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 mcg/mL.

Drug Resistance: Phenotypic resistance to atovaquone in vitro has not been demonstrated for P. carinii. However, in 2 patients who developed P. carinii pneumonia (PCP) after prophylaxis with atovaquone, DNA sequence analysis identified mutations in the predicted amino acid sequence of P. carinii cytochrome b (a likely target site for atovaquone). The clinical significance of this is unknown.

What are the possible side effects of atovaquone (Mepron)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
fever, flu symptoms;
white patches in your mouth or throat;
worsening cough;
bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing);
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering,...

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What are the precautions when taking atovaquone (Mepron)?

Before taking atovaquone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung problems, liver disease, stomach disorders (e.g., long-term diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome).

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 6/5/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.