pentamidine Health Article

Generic name(s):

pentamidine

Brand name(s):

Nebupent, Pentam 300

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 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.

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?

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