Drug interactions
Atovaquone + Efavirenz
Severity: Moderate
Atovaquone and Efavirenz: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Efavirenz may lower atovaquone concentrations and reduce its effectiveness in prophylaxis or treatment of infections. The mechanism is not firmly established, but induction of metabolism is suspected.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atovaquone and Efavirenz can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Atovaquone belongs to Anti Parasitic; Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Mechanism not firmly established; enzyme induction by efavirenz is suspected.
What to do
Monitor for therapeutic failure of atovaquone and consider an alternative agent if the infection is severe. Check atovaquone response clinically.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Efavirenz
- Cobimetinib + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Atovaquone
- Atovaquone + Rifampin Major
- Atovaquone + Metoclopramide Moderate
- Atovaquone + Rifabutin Moderate
- Atovaquone + Warfarin Moderate
- Atovaquone + Indinavir Minor
- Atovaquone + Metoclopramide intranasal Minor
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atovaquone with Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atovaquone and Efavirenz can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Efavirenz may lower atovaquone concentrations and reduce its effectiveness in prophylaxis or treatment of infections. The mechanism is not firmly established, but induction of metabolism is suspected.
How serious is the interaction between Atovaquone and Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for therapeutic failure of atovaquone and consider an alternative agent if the infection is severe. Check atovaquone response clinically.
What other medicines interact with Efavirenz?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Efavirenz with, for example, Cobimetinib, Dienogest / estradiol valerate, Dihydroergotamine intranasal. The full list is on the Efavirenz page.
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