Atovaquone
Also known as: Mepron, Malanil, Wellvone
**Important Administration Instructions:** * **Give with a fatty meal:** This medication *must* be given with food high in fat (e.g., a small amount of ice cream, tuna oil, butter, or meat fat) to be properly absorbed into your pet's body. Without fat, the drug will not work effectively. * **Shake well:** Gently shake the bottle before drawing up each dose. * **Storage:** Store the liquid at room temperature, away from bright light. Do not freeze it. **What to Watch For:** * This medication is generally well-tolerated, but because it is a newer therapy in veterinary medicine, we are still learning about all potential side effects. * Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops a skin rash, or experiences severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea. * **Note:** The liquid is bright yellow and can stain fabrics or surfaces, so handle it carefully.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Cytauxzoonosis (Cytauxzoon felis)
- Babesia gibsoni (Asian genotype) infections
- Pneumocystosis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Rashes or hypersensitivity reactions
- Elevated liver enzymes
- CNS effects (headache, dizziness in humans)
- Fever
- Neutropenia and anemia (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients with a known hypersensitivity to atovaquone
- Patients with severe malabsorption syndromes
- Patients who cannot tolerate oral intake or cannot take the drug with a high-fat meal
- **Administration Warning:** The drug is highly lipophilic and has poor bioavailability on an empty stomach. It **must** be administered with a high-fat meal to ensure adequate systemic absorption. **Toxicity Warning:** Do not use the human combination product Malarone® (atovaquone and proguanil) in dogs due to severe gastrointestinal adverse effects associated with proguanil. **Pregnancy/Nursing:** FDA Category C. Studies in rabbits showed increased maternal and fetal toxicity (decreased fetal growth, early resorption). Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk. It is excreted in milk in rats, though it is unlikely to pose significant risk to nursing puppies.
Drug interactions
- Metoclopramide: Can decrease atovaquone plasma concentrations
- Tetracycline: Can decrease atovaquone plasma concentrations
- Rifampin: Can decrease atovaquone plasma concentrations
Frequently asked questions
What is Atovaquone used for in pets?
**Important Administration Instructions:** * **Give with a fatty meal:** This medication *must* be given with food high in fat (e.g., a small amount of ice cream, tuna oil, butter, or meat fat) to be properly absorbed into your pet's body. Without fat, the drug will not work effectively. * **Shake well:** Gently shake the bottle before drawing up each dose. * **Storage:** Store the liquid at room temperature, away from bright light. Do not freeze it. **What to Watch For:** * This medication is generally well-tolerated, but because it is a newer therapy in veterinary medicine, we are still learning about all potential side effects. * Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops a skin rash, or experiences severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea. * **Note:** The liquid is bright yellow and can stain fabrics or surfaces, so handle it carefully.
Is Atovaquone safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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