
Precautions
Pentamidine is administered via the Respirgard II Nebulizer, which utilizes a series of one-way valves and a filter to minimize the release of aerosol droplets into the air. Aerosolized pentamidine may be potentially toxic necessitating this special nebulization system.
How do you administer pentamidine in a nebulizer?
After reconstitution with Sterile Water for Injection, USP, Pentamidine Isethionate is administered by inhalation via the Respirgard® II nebulizer [Marquest, Englewood, CO] (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).
How is Pentamidine isethionate (PDA) administered?
How to use Pentamidine 300 Mg Solution For Inhalation Antiprotozoal Agents This medication is given by a health care professional as directed by your doctor, usually once every 4 weeks. It is given using a special machine called a nebulizer that changes the solution to a fine mist that you inhale. Each treatment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
How to use pentamidine 300 mg solution for inhalation?
Pentamidine aerosols shall only be administered in the Pulmonary Function Lab Pentamidine aerosolization booth. The following equipment should be gathered before beginning procedure: a.
Where can I administer a pentamidine aerosol?

How do you administer inhaled pentamidine?
The standard dose of administration is 300 mg of lyophilized pentamidine isethionate dissolved in sterile water and aerosolized until the nebulizer runs dry. Inhaled pentamidine is given on a monthly basis.
How is pentamidine given?
How should this medicine be used? Pentamidine injection comes as powder to be mixed with liquid to be injected intramuscularly (into a muscle) or intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. If it is given intravenously, then it is usually given as a slow infusion over 60 to 120 minutes.
Can pentamidine inhalation be given at home?
Aerosolized pentamidine appears to be better tolerated and is considered an alternative treatment for PCP in both hospital and community settings. This report describes our experience with 34 patients with AIDS who received aerosolized pentamidine at home.
How do you dilute a pentamidine nebulizer?
The contents of one vial (300 mg) must be dissolved in 6 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP. Place the entire reconstituted contents of the vial into the Respirgard® II nebulizer reservoir for administration.
What is pentamidine nebuliser?
Nebulised pentamidine is a medicine given to children to prevent a type of chest infection called Pneumocystis Jiroveci pneumonia. You may hear the doctors and nurses referring to this as 'PCP' as it was previously called Pneumocystis Carinii pneumonia.
Why is pentamidine hazardous?
Aerosolized pentamidine also has been shown to be embryotoxic in animals. Respiratory irritation, shortness of breath, ocular irritation, asthma, and skin rash have been reported by health-care workers administering aerosolized ribavirin.
Is pentamidine a chemo drug?
Pentamidine is an antibiotic used for pneumonia treatment. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading.
Does pentamidine increase blood pressure?
Pentamidine may cause some serious side effects, including heart problems, low blood pressure, low or high blood sugar, and other blood problems.
Is pentamidine still used?
Pentamidine came into medical use in 1937. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication. In regions of the world where the disease is common pentamidine is provided for free by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Can IV pentamidine be used for inhalation?
The usual dose for inhalation is 300 mg given once every 4 weeks on a regular basis. The exact procedure for inhalation will be explained to you at the clinic when you go to receive your dose. For the treatment of PCP, pentamidine can be given intravenously (I.V.) over a 2 to 3 hour period, or intramuscularly (I.M.).
What is pentamidine aerosol?
PENTAMIDINE (pen TAM i deen) is an anti-infective drug. It is used to prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions. COMMON BRAND NAME(S): NebuPent.
How often is pentamidine given?
Adults and children 5 years of age and older—300 milligrams (mg) by oral inhalation once every four weeks. Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
What is pentamidine inhalation?
Pentamidine given by inhalation is used to prevent a serious lung infection (Pneumocystis pneumonia-PCP) in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Pentamidine belongs to a class of drugs known as antiprotozoals. It works by killing the organism that causes the infection.
Is pentamidine a chemo drug?
Pentamidine is an antibiotic used for pneumonia treatment. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading.
Can IV pentamidine be used for inhalation?
The usual dose for inhalation is 300 mg given once every 4 weeks on a regular basis. The exact procedure for inhalation will be explained to you at the clinic when you go to receive your dose. For the treatment of PCP, pentamidine can be given intravenously (I.V.) over a 2 to 3 hour period, or intramuscularly (I.M.).
Pentamidine Inhalation Description
Pentamidine Isethionate, an antifungal agent, is a nonpyrogenic lyophilized product. After reconstitution with Sterile Water for Injection, USP, Pentamidine Isethionate is administered by inhalation via the Respirgard® II nebulizer [Marquest, Englewood, CO] (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).
Pentamidine Inhalation - Clinical Pharmacology
Studies suggest that the pentamidine isethionate interferes with microbial nuclear metabolism by inhibition of DNA, RNA, phospholipid and protein synthesis. However, the mode of action is not fully understood.
Indications and Usage for Pentamidine Inhalation
Pentamidine Isethionate is indicated for the prevention of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) in high-risk, HIV-infected patients defined by one or both of the following criteria:
Contraindications
Pentamidine Isethionate is contraindicated in patients with a history of an anaphylactic reaction to inhaled or parenteral pentamidine isethionate.
Warnings
The potential for development of acute PJP still exists in patients receiving Pentamidine Isethionate prophylaxis.
Precautions
IMPORTANT: DO NOT MIX THE Pentamidine Isethionate SOLUTION WITH ANY OTHER DRUGS. DO NOT USE THE RESPIRGARD® II NEBULIZER TO ADMINISTER A BRONCHODILATOR.( See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Adverse Reactions
The most frequently reported unsolicited adverse events (1 to 5%) in clinical trials, regardless of their relation to Pentamidine Isethionate therapy were as follows (n=931):
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
General drug facts
If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options.
How to use Pentamidine 300 Mg Solution For Inhalation Antiprotozoal Agents
This medication is given by a health care professional as directed by your doctor, usually once every 4 weeks. It is given using a special machine called a nebulizer that changes the solution to a fine mist that you inhale. Each treatment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Are you currently using Pentamidine 300 Mg Solution For Inhalation Antiprotozoal Agents?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.
Available coupons
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
4.2.1 Inhaled Pentamidine
Only individuals who have been trained on the safe handling and administration of pentamidine may perform this procedure.
Purpose
The Registered Nurse or respiratory therapist trained on the safe handling and administration of pentamidine may administer aerosolized pentamidine to the patient for the prevention of pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly carinii) pneumonia (PJP or PCP). PJP can be severe or fatal if not promptly treated.
Overview
Pentamidine is an antiprotozoal agent used to help prevent the growth of PJP, a microorganism often found in the lungs of patients who are immunosuppressed.
Precautions
Adequate ventilation is required. Some specialized childhood cancer programs conduct this procedure in a HEPA-filtered exhaust containment booth. This booth should be serviced and certified every 12 months. Centres without a containment booth should use a negative pressure room.
Equipment and Materials
Note: If patient under 5 years of age, please consult with the specialized childhood cancer program on dosage.
First Aid Measures
For eye or mucous membrane splashes or contact with pentamidine, immediately flush contaminated area with running water for at least 15 minutes. Obtain medical attention.

Pentamidine Inhalation Description
Pentamidine is used to treat a serious lung infection (Pneumocystis pneumonia-PCP) in people with immune system problems, including people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
May Treat: Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia · Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
Brand Names: Pentam 300 · Nebupent · Pentam
Drug Class: Misc Anti-Infective
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia · Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
Brand Names: Pentam 300 · Nebupent · Pentam
Drug Class: Misc Anti-Infective
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Pentamidine Inhalation - Clinical Pharmacology
Indications and Usage For Pentamidine Inhalation
Contraindications
Warnings
Precautions
- Microbiology
Studies suggest that the pentamidine isethionate interferes with microbial nuclear metabolism by inhibition of DNA, RNA, phospholipid and protein synthesis. However, the mode of action is not fully understood. - Activity in vitro and in vivo
Pentamidine isethionate, an aromatic diamidine, is known to have activity against Pneumocystis jiroveci. In 5 AIDS patients with suspected Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP), the mean concentrations of pentamidine determined 18 to 24 hours after inhalation therapy were 23.2 ng/…
Adverse Reactions
- Pentamidine Isethionate is indicated for the prevention of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) in high-risk, HIV-infected patients defined by one or both of the following criteria: i. a history of one or more episodes of PJP ii. a peripheral CD4+ (T4 helper/inducer) lymphocyte count less than or equal to 200/mm3. These indications are based on the results of an 18-month randomized, dos…
Overdosage
- Pentamidine Isethionate is contraindicated in patients with a history of an anaphylactic reaction to inhaled or parenteral pentamidine isethionate.
Pentamidine Inhalation Dosage and Administration
- The potential for development of acute PJP still exists in patients receiving Pentamidine Isethionate prophylaxis. Therefore, any patient with symptoms suggestive of the presence of a pulmonary infection, including but not limited to dyspnea, fever or cough, should receive a thorough medical evaluation and appropriate diagnostic tests for possible acute PJP as well as f…
How Is Pentamidine Inhalation Supplied
- IMPORTANT: DO NOT MIX THE Pentamidine Isethionate SOLUTION WITH ANY OTHER DRUGS. DO NOT USE THE RESPIRGARD® II NEBULIZER TO ADMINISTER A BRONCHODILATOR.(See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).