A Randomized, Double-Blind Study of 566C80 Versus Septra (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim) for the Treatment of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia in AIDS Patients

To evaluate the effectiveness of atovaquone (566C80) compared to a standard antipneumocystis agent, (SMX/TMP), for the treatment of mild to moderate Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in AIDS patients. To compare the safety of short-term (21 days) treatment with 566C80 and SMX/TMP in AIDS patients with an acute episode of PCP. Standard therapies for acute treatment of PCP involve either SMX/TMP or pentamidine isetionate. Although both treatments are equally effective, side effects prevent completion of therapy in 11-55 percent of patients.