Drug reference

Pentamidine

Antiprotozoal · Agent for Pneumocystis pneumonia

Also known as Pentamidine isetionate

AntiprotozoalAgent for Pneumocystis pneumonia

CDSCO approvedSchedule H

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

12 major

incl. contraindicated

PREGNANCY

—

not curated

Top interactionssee all 12 →

AmisulprideContraindicatedDatabaseDDInter
AmiodaroneSevereDatabaseDDInter
AnagrelideSevereDatabaseDDInter
Arsenic TrioxideSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Pentamidine is a weak inhibitor of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). This action contributes to the risk of hyperkalemia, a significant adverse effect.

Indications

Prophylaxis of pneumocystis pneumoniaTreatment of pneumocystis pneumoniaProphylaxis against pneumocystis pneumonia in patients unable to tolerate co-trimoxazoleEarly-stage T. brucei gambiense infectionCutaneous leishmaniasisPneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) (treatment and prophylaxis)Alternative treatment for *P. jirovecii* pneumonia (PCP)Prophylaxis of *P. jirovecii* pneumonia (PCP)

Dosing

Adult: The oral route is used when administration by inhalation is not possible. Systemic side-effects occur more frequently when a drug is given orally rather than by inhalation. Drugs given by mouth for the treatment of asthma include BNF 80 corticosteroids, theophylline p. 288, and leukotriene receptor antagonists. Parenteral g Drugs such as beta2 agonists, corticosteroids, and aminophylline p.…

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life

Elimination half-life is long (weeks to months)

Protein binding

70% bound to plasma proteins

Contraindications

Hyperkalemia
Patients at increased risk of developing hyperkalemia (e.g., renal failure, receiving other potassium-sparing diuretics, taking ACE inhibitors, taking potassium supplements, taking NSAIDs)

Side effects

Common

HypotensionTachycardiaHeadacheHypoglycemiaPancreatitisHyperglycemiaInsulin-dependent diabetes (development of)Skin rashesThrombophlebitisAnemiaNeutropeniaElevation of hepatic enzymesAzotemiaHepatitis

Serious