Atovaquone suspension for treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in HIV-infected patients

Objective: To describe clinical experience with atovaquone suspension for t he treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-infected patien ts. Design: A retrospective chart review. Methods: The medical records of 54 HIV-infected patients with PCP treated w ith atovaquone were examined. The outcomes of 34 patients treated with atov aquone suspension (750 mg twice a day) were compared with those of 20 patie nts treated with atovaquone tablets (750 mg three times a day). Results: The proportion of patients successfully treated was similar with t he suspension (74%) and tablet (70%) formulations of atovaquone. The propor tion of patients with an inadequate response to therapy was lower for patie nts treated with atovaquone suspension (15%) than tablets (30%). Both formu lations were well tolerated. Conclusion: Atovaquone suspension is effective and well tolerated for the t reatment of PCP. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.