Phase I Safety and Pharmacokinetics Study of Microparticulate Atovaquone (m-Atovaquone; 566C80) in HIV-Infected and Perinatally Exposed Infants and Children

To determine the safety, tolerance, and pharmacokinetics of a new improved microparticulate suspension formulation of atovaquone administered at one of two dose levels (per 09/30/94 amendment, a third dose level was added) daily for 12 days in HIV-infected and perinatally exposed (per 8/9/95 amendment) infants and children who are at risk of developing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Atovaquone has shown prophylactic potential in adults in the treatment of PCP but is poorly absorbed in tablet form. To improve the bioavailability of atovaquone, a new formulation has been prepared as a microparticulate suspension. Since studies in adults have demonstrated substantial safety of this drug, evaluation in children is being pursued.