Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia

Pentamidine - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Advertisement

Information about Pentamidine

Generic Name : Pentamidine
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Pentamidine are provided here.

Pronunciation : pen tam' i deen

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Pentamidine, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


ICD Code : Y41 Therapeutic Classification : Miscellaneous Anti- Infectives

Trade Names/Brand Names of Pentamidine

International :


Pentam, Nebupent

Why is Pentamidine Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an antimicrobial agent, prescribed for pneumonia and for treating leishmaniasis, yeast infections. This medication proved to be an effective antibiotic in children undergoing leukemia treatment.

When should Pentamidine not be taken? (Contraindications)

Hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Pentamidine?

IV/IM- The recommended dose is 4 mg/kg/day or on alternate days. Total: 7-10 doses.

How should Pentamidine be taken?

It comes as a solution for injection, to be administered by a healthcare provider.

What are the warnings and precautions for Pentamidine?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of asthma, smoking, decreased level of potassium, magnesium in blood, heart diseases, prolonged QT interval, diabetes, high/low blood pressure, high/low blood sugar, anemia, liver or kidney impairment during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Monitor: Blood pressure, liver and kidney function, blood-glucose and serum-calcium concentrations and blood counts.

What are the side effects of Pentamidine?

Most Common- Vomiting, infection and loss of appetite.
Body as a Whole - Night sweats, allergic reaction, body odor, swelling in the face/leg, fever, lethargy and chills.
Heart- Stroke, high/low blood pressure, palpitations, poor blood circulation, fainting, fast heart rate and dilatation of blood vessels.
Gastrointestinal- Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, constipation, dry mouth, indigestion, inflammation of stomach/gum, gastric ulcer, hernia, increased saliva, oral ulcer/abscess and enlargement of the spleen.
Blood- Anemia, eosinophilia and decreased volume of blood cells.
Liver - Liver enlargement and liver dysfunction/inflammation.
Metabolic- Increased/decreased sugar level and decreased calcium concentration.
Musculoskeletal- Joint/muscle pain and gout.
Central Nervous System- Headache, anxiety, confusion, depression, drowsiness, frequent mood changes, hallucination, sensory loss, sleeplessness, memory loss, nerve pain, personality disorder, tingling, peripheral nerve damage, seizure, tremors and vertigo.
Genitourinary- Kidney damage and miscarriage.
Respiratory - Chest pain, cough, asthma, shortness of breath and wheezing.
Skin- Desquamation, dry and breaking hair, dry skin, redness, itching, rash and hives.
Eye and ENT- Bad taste, inflammation of eyelid, conjunctiva, blurred vision, contact lens discomfort, eye pain or discomfort, nonspecific odor and smell.

What are the other precautions for Pentamidine?

Avoid excess dosage.

What are the storage conditions for Pentamidine?

Injection: Before reconstitution: protect from light and keep at room temperature (do not refrigerate as crystals may form); once reconstituted: store at 2-8 °C and use within 24 hours.
Advertisement