ADAP drugs: pentamidine

pentamidine
(aerosolized pentamidine, Nebupent, Pentam)

Drug description
Pentamidine is a treatment for PCP pneumonia. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, commonly referred to as PCP, can affect the lungs as well as other parts of the body, including the skin and internal organs. People who are at the greatest risk of contracting this type of pneumonia are those who have less than 200 T4 cells. Symptoms of PCP include shortness of breath, dry cough, and fever. PCP seems to occur very frequently in women as a first or second AIDS-defining illness. Diagnosis in women is often delayed and the illness may be severe by the time it is detected. Pentamidine is used as an inhaled aerosol for prevention of PCP. Fujisawa Pharmaceuticals, who makes Nebupent, has a Reimbursement Service. Call (800) 366-6323 for more information.

Side effects
Anxiety, headache, bronchospasm, cough, and chills are some side effects you may experience from treatment with aerosol pentamidine. IV pentamidine can cause leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. You must discontinue ddC until you are stable on pentamidine. ddI should be discontinued while on IV pentamidine. IV pentamidine may increase the risk of pancreatitis, low blood sugar levels that can be sudden and life-threatening, kidney problems, heart rhythm problems and nausea.

Dosage
Injections for adults and children are 4/mg/kg once daily for 14 days, longer in people with AIDS. Prevention is 300/mg by Respigard II inhaler every four weeks. Injection is given slowly over 1 hour. Inhaler administration takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

How long it may take to work
Treatment is effective when you see resolution of the signs and symptoms of PCP infection.

Managing side effects
If you are taking IV pentamidine at home, you must watch for blood sugar changes. It is wise to monitor your blood sugar levels several times throughout the day. This is done with treated strips of paper that react to urine. Notify your doctor immediately if fever, sore throat, signs of infection, bleeding gums, unusual bruising, or blood in stools or urine occur. Do not drink alcohol or take aspirin.

This information is specific to the use of this medication for HIV-related conditions. For additional information about this drug for other conditions, refer to: www.nursespdr.com/ and www.healthanswers.com/Library/library_fset.asp

The drug descriptions on these pages are intended for informational purposes only. The Network does not promote or endorse the use of any specific treatment for any health-related condition. The medications described here can only be dispensed by a licensed health care professional. The information may have changed since these pages were updated, though every effort is made to keep these pages current. Please contact The Network at (800) 734-7104 to make sure you have the most up-to-date information

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