Treats Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) and other types of infections
Brand Names:
Pentam
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to pentamidine
Uses:
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
An IM shot is given in your muscle (upper arm, thigh, buttocks).
An IV is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.
This medicine should be given by a person trained to give IV or IM medicine, such as a nurse.
It is best to lie down while this medicine is given. To avoid dizziness, get up slowly.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.
Storage:
Store your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.
Any pentamidine that has been prepared for the IV is good for 24 hours and should be kept at room temperature, away from heat and light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Warnings:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you have low blood pressure, diabetes, low blood sugar, or liver or kidney disease.
You may need to use a home glucose (sugar) test to check your blood sugar levels while you are taking this medicine. Make sure you understand how to do this.
Your doctor may want to check your blood on a regular schedule while you are using pentamidine. Keep all appointments.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
Feeling very hungry or thirsty
Nervousness, sweating, confusion
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Sore mouth or throat
Skin rash, itching, or hives
Trouble breathing
Pain, swelling, itching, or burning where the IV is given
