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

Objective: To describe clinical experience with atovaquone suspension for the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-infected patients.
Design: A retrospective chart review.
Methods: The medical records of 54 HIV-infected patients with PCP treated with atovaquone were examined. The outcomes of 34 patients treated with atovaquone suspension (750 mg twice a day) were compared with those of 20 patients treated with atovaquone tablets (750 mg three times a day).
Results: The proportion of patients successfully treated was similar with the suspension (74%) and tablet (70%) formulations of atovaquone. The proportion of patients with an inadequate response to therapy was lower for patients treated with atovaquone suspension (15%) than tablets (30%). Both formulations were well tolerated.
Conclusion: Atovaquone suspension is effective and well tolerated for the treatment of PCP.