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Acute hepatitis and atovaquone/proguanil
Matthias Grieshaber1, Jürg Lämmli, Louis Marcus
1Department of Opthamology, Medical University of Southern Africa, Medunsa, South Africa.
Journal of Travel Medicine
|November 1, 2005
Summary
A healthy man experienced acute hepatitis after taking atovaquone and proguanil for malaria prevention. This case highlights the drug
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Atovaquone/proguanil is a common malaria prophylactic medication.
- Generally considered safe with minimal side effects.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old healthy male presented with acute hepatitis.
- The patient had taken atovaquone (250 mg) and proguanil (100 mg) daily for 25 days for malaria prophylaxis.
Findings:
- The patient developed drug-induced liver injury.
- Hepatotoxicity is a potential, albeit rare, adverse effect of atovaquone/proguanil.
Implications:
- Physicians should be aware of the risk of hepatotoxicity associated with atovaquone/proguanil.
- This case underscores the importance of monitoring liver function in patients taking this medication.
- Highlights the need for vigilance regarding drug-induced liver injury in malaria prophylaxis.