GENERIC NAME: PENTAMIDINE ISETHIONATE - INJECTION (pen-TAM-ih-deen eye-seh-THIGH-oh-nate)

BRAND NAME(S): Pentacarinat, Pentam 300

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

USES: This medication is an anti-infective used to treat pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP).

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a large muscle such as a buttock or hip, or diluted and slowly infused into a vein over 60 minutes. It is usually given once a day for 14 days. It is important that you use all the medication as directed. Stopping therapy too early can lead to a relapse of the infection.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, muscle aches or change in taste. Notify your doctor if you experience: chills, skin rash, unusual bleeding or bruising. The site where the injection is given may become red and irritated. If the irritation continues or becomes worse, notify your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: asthma, allergies, high or low blood pressure, diabetes, high or low blood sugar, anemia, heart problems, liver problems, kidney problems, a sodium (salt)-restricted diet, low sugar (diabetic) diet, 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.

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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