Brand Name(s): NebuPent
Generic Name Pentamidine Inhalation
What is pentamidine inhalation?
PENTAMIDINE (NebuPent®) is an antiprotozoal agent. Pentamidine prevents Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). This infection commonly affects patients whose immune systems are not working properly such as HIV-infected (AIDS) patients. Generic pentamidine inhalation is not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•anemia or blood disorders
•asthma
•dehydration
•diabetes
•heart or circulation problems
•kidney disease
•pancreatitis
•recent radiation therapy
•an unusual or allergic reaction to pentamidine, other medicines, foods, dyed, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Pentamidine is for inhalation. The inhalation may be given by a nurse or respiratory therapist as part of home health-care services. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Pentamidine for inhalation is dissolved in sterile water for injection and used in a Respirgard II nebulizer. An inhalation once every 4 weeks is generally enough to prevent infection. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with pentamidine?
Interactions with pentamidine inhalation have not been reported; monitor blood glucose if you are on medications for diabetes.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using pentamidine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•difficulty breathing, wheezing
•dizziness
•chest pain or tightness
•chills
•cough
•headache
•loss of appetite
•muscle pain
•night sweats
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•skin rash, itching
•stomach pain
•unusual tiredness or weakness
Call your prescriber or health care professional s soon as you can if you get any of these side effects.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•changes in taste (metallic taste)
•diarrhea
•nausea, vomiting
What should I watch for while taking pentamidine?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you develop an infection. While you are using pentamidine you will need regular blood; blood sugar levels; and heart function checks.
Keep pentamidine out of the eyes.
Avoid smoking cigarettes. Smoking can increase coughing, wheezing and difficulty in breathing during pentamidine inhalation.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Freshly prepare the solution for inhalation. Keep at room temperature, protect from light, and use within 48 hours. Throw away any unused portion.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:09/05/2000 |
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