Atovaquone (Mepron) Drug for High Blood Pressure: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Atovaquone
(Mepron, United States and Canada)

Use:

Atovaquone or Mepron is an antiprotozoal agent used in treating infections like Pneumocystis carini which complicate conditions like AIDS.

How It Works:

Atovaquone or Mepron inhibits metabolism in the protozoal cells. It has no effect on human cells. Co-trimoxazole is the drug most often used in these types of infections, but for people who cannot tolerate co-trimoxazole, Atovaquone or Mepron is the alternative.

Side Effects:

Atovaquone or Mepron can cause rash, gastro intestinal effects, fever, and headache. While these side effects are bothersome they are not life threatening or fatal. These side effects have be reported to occur up to 63% of the time.
An eye disorder - vortex keratopathy - has also been reported.

Cautions for People:

Because Atovaquone or Mepron can cause gastro intestinal problems, it should be taken with food. People who have sensitive stomachs or specific gastro intestinal conditions, for example an ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, Atovaquone or Mepron is best avoided.
No clinical trials have been performed in the elderly, infants, young children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. Because of the lack of information, Atovaquone or Mepron should be used cautiously by these people.

Drug Interactions:

Atovaquone or Mepron is highly bound to plasma proteins and will interact with other drugs that are also bound to plasma proteins. The drug can also increase plasma levels of zidovudine.

Further Reading:

Antimicrob Agents Chemotherapy 1995;39(10):2217
South Med J 1996;89(3):272
J Antimicrob Chemother 1995;36(4):740
Clin Pharmacol Ther 1996;59(1):14
J Clin Pharm Ther 1995;20(3):121
Drug 1995;50(1):176

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.