Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PENTAMIDINE ISETHIONATE - INJECTION

(pen-TAM-ih-deen eye-seh-THIGH-oh-nate)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pentacarinat, Pentam 300

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.

Drug Interactions

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

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Certain laboratory tests may be done periodically to monitor the effectiveness of this medication. Make sure needles, tubing and supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

Missed Dose

Contact your doctor.

Storage

Refrigerate.