Atovaquone is an antimicrobial indicated for the prevention and treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and for the prevention and treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Atovaquone is a hydroxynaphthoquinone, or an analog of ubiquinone, that has antimicrobial and antipneumocystis activity.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
The mechanism of action against Pneumocystis carinii has not been fully elucidated. In Plasmodium species, the site of action appears to be the cytochrome bc1 complex (Complex III). Several metabolic enzymes are linked to the mitochondrial electron transport chain via ubiquinone. Inhibition of electron transport by atovaquone will result in indirect inhibition of these enzymes. The ultimate metabolic effects of such blockade may include inhibition of nucleic acid and ATP synthesis. Atovaquone also has been shown to have good in vitro activity against Toxoplasma gondii.
- Primary indication
- For the treatment or prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients who are intolerant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX).Curator reviewed · 9 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C22H19ClO3 · 366.837 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2001 · United States, 1995
- Code names
- 566C · 566C80 · BW-566C · BW 566C-80 · DRG-0084
- Brand names
Resolves to
KUCQYCKVKVOKAY-CTYIDZIISA-NSMILESOC1=C([C@H]2CC[C@@H](CC2)C2=CC=C(Cl)C=C2)C(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2C1=OWhat you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Atovaquone, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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