Pentamidine (say: pen-TAM-a-deen) is a drug used to prevent a specific type of pneumonia called PCP pneumonia. This is a very serious type of pneumonia caused by an organism called pneumocystis jiroveci. This organism is only found in people whose immune system is not working normally.
What is the medication
What is pentamidine?
Pentamidine (say: pen-TAM-a-deen) is a drug used to prevent a specific type of pneumonia called PCP pneumonia. This is a very serious type of pneumonia caused by an organism called pneumocystis jiroveci. This organism is only found in people whose immune system is not working normally.
Pentamidine is breathed in (inhaled).
Pentamidine is not the only drug used to prevent this type of pneumonia. It is only used when the patient cannot take the other medicines.
How to give the medication
How inhaled pentamidine is given
Inhaled pentamidine is given once every 4 weeks. You must go to the hospital to receive it.
Inhaled pentamidine is only given to patients who are at least 5 years old and able to cooperate with the procedure.
The inhalation takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Your appointment will take about 30 minutes.
PentamidinePentamidine is breathed in as a mist through a nebulizer. This is done inside a hood that removes excess medicine out the air.
While you get your medicine, you will need to sit inside a hood. A hood is a large clear plastic box with a fan. This hood takes any extra medicine out of the air so that other people do not breathe it.
Pentamidine is given through a nebulizer
The medicine is given through a machine called a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the liquid medicine into a mist that you breathe in.
The mouthpiece goes in your mouth with your lips closed around it. You breathe normally in and out through your mouth. It is important that you breathe only through your mouth.
If you need a break while getting the pentamidine, give the nurse a signal such as raising your hand. The nurse will turn off the machine while you take your break. This makes sure that you get all the medicine. Remember, the more breaks you take, the longer it will take to finish.
Side effects
Possible side effects of pentamidine
While you get the medicine:
Extra saliva or water is made in your mouth and may be hard to swallow. You can spit in the sink if you cannot swallow it. Signal for a break first.
Inhaled pentamidine has a metal taste. Some people find the taste a bit strong. If you need to, you can stop for a drink of water. Juice and pop often make the taste worse. Some people find strong mint or cinnamon gum helps to hide the taste. A candy or lollipop afterwards helps to get rid of the taste too.
Inhaled pentamidine may cause coughing and/or wheezing in some people. In rare cases, it may make it harder to breathe. Both these problems are easily treated with a medicine called salbutamol (Ventolin). Let the nurse know right away if you have any problems breathing.
Patients with asthma are more likely to cough or have problems breathing while receiving pentamidine. If you have ever been on puffers, let your doctor and the pentamidine nurse know.
Other side effects during pentamidine inhalation are:
feeling a lump in the throat
pain in upper abdomen (stomach) or chest
nausea
dizziness or lightheadedness
Most side effects go away quickly after the inhalation is finished. If you have any of the following symptoms or if they get worse after you go home, contact your doctor:
fever
cough
trouble breathing
Overdose information
Keep pentamidine out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much pentamidine, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free.
Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.
Disclaimer: The information in this Family Med-aid is accurate at the time of printing. It provides a summary of information about pentamidine and does not contain all possible information about this medicine. Not all side effects are listed. If you have any questions or want more information about pentamidine, speak to your healthcare provider.
