| Abstract | Atovaquone (formerly 566C80) is a hydroxynaphthoquinone with potent activity against Toxoplasma in vitro and in laboratory animals. Eight patients with AIDS and presumed or biopsy confirmed toxoplasmosis who were intolerant of or had not responded to standard therapies were treated with oral atovaquone 750 mg four times a day. Seven patients showed radiographic improvement; the other remained radiographically stable. Six patients died 6-60 weeks after enrollment with no clinical (six) or necropsy (three) evidence of recurrent toxoplasmosis; two patients relapsed at 10 and 32 weeks. Toxicity was mild: only one patient required temporary discontinuation of drug due to a rash. Atovaquone is a well-tolerated drug that appears to be an effective alternative for patients with toxoplasmosis who are intolerant of standard therapies. |
| Authors | J A Kovacs
(Affiliation: Critical Care Medicine Department, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.)
|
| Journal | Lancet
(Lancet)
Vol. 340
Issue 8820
Pg. 637-8
(Sep 12 1992)
ISSN: 0140-6736 ENGLAND |
| PMID | 1355212
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
|
| Chemical References |
- Anti-Infective Agents
- Naphthoquinones
- Atovaquone
|
| Topics |
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
(complications)
- Administration, Oral
- Adult
- Anti-Infective Agents
(administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
- Atovaquone
- Biopsy
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Humans
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Naphthoquinones
(administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
- Recurrence
- Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral
(diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology)
|
