Atovaquone
- BP-S-6-Medicinal Chemistry III
- Mar 28
- 1 min read
Chemical Structure / Formula
Formula: C22H19O3Cl
Structure: A naphthoquinone analog, structurally related to ubiquinone (coenzyme Q).
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits cytochrome bc1 complex in mitochondrial electron transport, leading to ATP depletion and Plasmodium death.
Uses
Malaria prophylaxis and treatment (P. falciparum, in combination with Proguanil).
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patients.
Side Effects
GI distress (diarrhea, vomiting), headache, elevated liver enzymes.
