pentamidine

Generic Name: pentamidine
Other Brand Names: Nebupent, Pentam 300

What is pentamidine?

Pentamidine is a type of antibiotic that fights protozoa in the body.

Pentamidine is used to prevent and treat serious infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia.

Pentamidine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pentamidine?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

  • diabetes;

  • heart problems

  • blood pressure or circulation problems;

  • kidney disease;

  • pancreatitis;

  • asthma;

  • recent radiation therapy or treatment with chemotherapy;

  • a history of dehydration; or

  • special dietary restrictions.

You may not be able to take pentamidine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Pentamidine may affect blood sugar levels. Contact your doctor if you experience any low blood sugar symptoms including

  • increased appetite;

  • headache;

  • chills, pale skin, shakes, cold sweats; or

  • anxiety.

Pentamidine may affect blood sugar levels. Contact your doctor if you experience any high blood sugar symptoms including

  • increased thirst;

  • loss of appetite;

  • increase in amount or frequency or urination;

  • fruity smelling breath; or

  • drowsiness.

Your doctor may want you to have regular blood, heart function, and blood sugar evaluations during treatment with pentamidine to monitor progress and side effects.

Talk to your doctor if you develop an infection of any kind.

Pentamidine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether pentamidine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether pentamidine passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take pentamidine?

Injectable pentamidine can be administered as an injection into a muscle or by slow infusion. The injection should be administered in a clinical setting where a healthcare provider can monitor blood pressure other vital signs and where an emergency situation can be handled properly.

Your healthcare provider will store injectable pentamidine as directed by the manufacturer.

Pentamidine for inhalation may be administered via the Respigard II nebulizer as part of a home health regimen by a nurse, respiratory therapist or other healthcare practitioner.

Store the prepared solution for inhalation at room temperature, away from light. The solution should be used within 48 hours and any unused portion should be thrown away.

What happens if I miss a dose of pentamidine?

Since the medication will be administered by a healthcare provider, missing a dose should not occur. If you have any questions contact your doctor.

Where can I get more information about pentamidine?
Your pharmacist has information about pentamidine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of pentamidine?

Side effects with pentamidine are not common. Serious side effects include:

  • an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);

  • blurred vision;

  • chest pain or irregular heart beat;

  • difficulty breathing;

  • dizziness, confusion, fainting spells or excessive tiredness;

  • drastic appetite changes;

  • pain or irritation at the injection site;

  • mouth ulcers or irritations;

  • severe stomach pain;

  • bleeding or bruising;

  • severe headache;

  • chills;

  • increased thirst; or

  • seizures.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience

  • taste changes;

  • diarrhea; or

  • nausea or vomiting.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about pentamidine?

Pentamidine may affect blood sugar levels. Contact your doctor if you experience any low blood sugar symptoms including

  • increased appetite;

  • headache;

  • chills, pale skin, shakes, cold sweats; or

  • anxiety.

Pentamidine may affect blood sugar levels. Contact your doctor if you experience any high blood sugar symptoms including

  • increased thirst;

  • loss of appetite;

  • increase in amount or frequency or urination;

  • fruity smelling breath; or

  • drowsiness.

Your doctor may want you to have regular blood, heart function, and blood sugar evaluations during treatment with pentamidine to monitor progress and side effects.

What should I avoid while taking pentamidine?

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or caffeine drinks regularly, if you are a smoker or if you use illegal drugs. These factors can affect the way pentamidine works in your body.

What other drugs will affect pentamidine?

Before taking pentamidine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

  • azathioprine (Imuran);

  • carbamazepine (Tegretol, Epitol, Carbatrol);

  • antibiotics;

  • anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), others)

  • cisplatin (Platinol)

  • didanosine (Videx)

  • zidovudine (Retrovir)

  • birth control pills;

  • ganciclovir (Cytovene)

  • blood pressure medications;

  • medication for diabetes;

  • valproic acid (Depakote);

  • medication for mental problems; or

  • metoclopramide (Reglan).

You may not be able to take pentamidine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pentamidine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. .

What happens if I have an overdose of pentamidine?

If an overdose of pentamidine is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Pentamidine should be administered in a clinical setting where a healthcare provider can monitor vital signs (blood pressure, heart rates) and where an emergency situation can be handled immediately.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008