GENERIC NAME: PENTAMIDINE ISETHIONATE - INHALATION (pen-TAM-ih-deen eye-seth-EYE-oh-nate)

BRAND NAME(S): Nebupent

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Pentamidine inhalation is used to prevent a lung disease called pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP).

HOW TO USE: This medication inhaled through a special breathing unit which makes sure the drug reaches deep into the lungs. Treatment usually takes 30-45 minutes and is given once a month.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, cough or a change in taste. Notify your doctor if you experience: tightness in the chest, breathing difficulties, skin rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have had any of the following conditions: asthma, allergies, high/low blood pressure, diabetes, high/low blood sugar, anemia, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, sodium (salt)-restricted diet, low sugar (diabetic) diet, any other restricted diet. Pentamidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if pentamidine is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, capreomycin, colistin, cisplatin, methoxyflurane, polymyxin B, vancomycin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Pneumonia - Learn pneumonia symptoms, causes, treatment, signs, diagnosis and types: viral and bacterial (Pneumocystis carinii, Klebsiella, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia pneumoniae).

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