Atovaquone Clinical use and toxicity

Atovaquone is approved for use in mild to moderate pneumocystis pneumonia. It is less effective than TMP-SMZ or pentamidine but is better tolerated. As noted, it is also used in combination with proguanil (as Malarone) for chemoprophylaxis and treatment of chloroquine-resistant malaria. Common adverse effects are rash, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abnormal liver function tests. The drug should be avoided in patients with a history of cardiac conduction defects, psychiatric disorders, or seizures.