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 - INHALATION

(pen-TAM-ih-deen eye-seth-EYE-oh-nate)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nebupent

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.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include persistent sore throat or fever, severe fatigue, cough, dizziness, or weakness, easy bleeding or bruising, trouble breathing, seizures, or mental/mood disorders.

Notes

Certain laboratory tests may be done periodically to monitor the effectiveness of this medication.

Missed Dose

Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 89 degrees F (between 15 and 31.6 degrees C) before reconstituting.