Pentamidine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Pentam 300, Pentacarinat

Category

• Antiprotozoal

Description

Pentamidine (pen-TAM-i-deen) is used to treat Pneumocystis carinii (noo-moe-SISS-tis) pneumonia (PCP), a very serious kind of pneumonia. This kind of pneumonia occurs commonly in patients whose immune system is not working normally, such as cancer patients, transplant patients, and patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In addition, your doctor may prescribe pentamidine for some other medical problems caused by protozoa. This medicine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Pentamidine may cause some serious side effects. Before you begin treatment with pentamidine, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.

Pentamidine is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:

Parenteral
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S. -

• Pentam 300

In Canada -

• Pentacarinat

Generic name product may be available in the U.S. and Canada.