Atovaquone 750 mg/5ml Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Oral suspension

Available Strengths: 750 mg/5ml

Reference Brands: Mepron (USA)

Category: Critical Care

Atovaquone is an antimicrobial medication used for the prevention and treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and malaria. It works by inhibiting mitochondrial electron transport in parasites, leading to their death. Atovaquone is often combined with proguanil (as Malarone) for malaria prophylaxis and treatment.

Product Description:

Atovaquone is a hydroxynaphthoquinone that blocks the parasite's mitochondrial electron transport chain at the cytochrome bc1 complex, collapsing the membrane potential the organism needs to make pyrimidines. It is selective enough that human mitochondria are largely unaffected.

It is used to treat and prevent Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients who cannot tolerate co-trimoxazole, and for toxoplasmosis and babesiosis, usually with a partner drug. It is second-line for Pneumocystis, being less effective than co-trimoxazole, but far better tolerated in patients with sulfa allergy or cytopenias. Absorption is the main practical issue: it is highly lipophilic and poorly absorbed, and taking it with a fatty meal roughly triples exposure, so food instructions are part of effective treatment. Diarrhoea, rash and raised liver enzymes are the common adverse effects. Rifampicin markedly lowers levels, and it interacts with some antiretrovirals.

Sourcing notes. The oral suspension is the standard formulation because it absorbs better than the discontinued tablet. It is a bright yellow, viscous suspension that must be shaken and needs good suspension stability. Generic versions exist in some markets, but the supplier base is narrow and the product is relatively expensive for a long course.