Pentamidin

Pentamidin Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Antiprotozoal agent effective in trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and some fungal infections; used in treatment of pneumocystis pneumonia in HIV-infected patients. It may cause diabetes mellitus, central nervous system damage, and other toxic effects.

Pentamidin is an antiprotozoal agent. It is an aromatic diamidine, and is known to have activity against Pneumocystis carinii. The exact nature of its antiprotozoal action is unknown. in vitro studies with mammalian tissues and the protozoan Crithidia oncopelti indicate that the drug interferes with nuclear metabolism producing inhibition of the synthesis of DNA, RNA, phospholipids and proteins. Little is known about the drug's pharmacokinetics. The medication is also useful in Leishmaniasis and in prophylaxis against sleeping sickness caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. Hydration before treatment lessens the incidence and severity of side effects, which include liver or kidney dysfunction, hypertension, hypotension, hypoglycemia, hypocalemia, leukopenia, thrombcytopenia, anemia, and allergic reaction. It is generally well-tolerated.

Trade Name Pentamidin
Availability Prescription only
Generic Pentamidine
Pentamidine Other Names Pentamidin, Pentamidina, Pentamidine, Pentamidinum
Related Drugs clindamycin, sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim, Bactrim, Bactrim DS, dapsone, amphotericin b, Septra, leucovorin, nifurtimox, AmBisome
Type
Formula C19H24N4O2
Weight Average: 340.4195
Monoisotopic: 340.189926032
Protein binding

69%

Groups Approved, Investigational
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer
Available Country
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Pentamidin
Pentamidin

Uses

Pentamidin is an antifungal agent used to treat Pneumocystis pneumonia in patients infected with HIV.

For the treatment of pneumonia due to Pneumocystis carinii.

Pentamidin is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia, Trypanosomiasis

How Pentamidin works

The mode of action of pentamidine is not fully understood. It is thought that the drug interferes with nuclear metabolism producing inhibition of the synthesis of DNA, RNA, phospholipids, and proteins.

Toxicity

Symptoms of overdose include pain, nausea, anorexia, hypotension, fever, rash, bad taste in mouth, confusion/hallucinations, dizziness, and diarrhea.

Food Interaction

No interactions found.

Pentamidin Cholesterol interaction

[Major] Acute and potentially fatal pancreatitis has been reported with parenteral use and, rarely, oral inhalation of pentamidine.

Patients with a history of or known risk factors for pancreatitis, such as alcohol abuse or hypertriglyceridemia, should be monitored closely during therapy with pentamidine.

Therapy should be discontinued at the first signs or symptoms suggestive of pancreatitis (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hyperamylasemia with dysglycemia, rising triglycerides, decreasing serum calcium), and preferably permanently discontinued if clinical pancreatitis develops.

Elimination Route

Absorbed poorly through the gastrointestinal tract and is usually administered parenterally.

Half Life

9.1-13.2 hours

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Pentamidin

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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