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Generic Name: pentamidine

An antibiotic - It is used to prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)

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What is this medicine?

PENTAMIDINE (pen TAM i deen) is an anti-infective drug. It is used to prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP).

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

asthma
diabetes
heart problems
kidney disease
smoker
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?

This medicine is used in a nebulizer. Nebulizers make a liquid into an aerosol that you breathe in through your mouth or your mouth and nose into your lungs. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

amoxapine
arsenic trioxide
certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, grepafloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin
cidofovir
cisapride
droperidol
haloperidol
levomethadyl
maprotiline
medicines for malaria like chloroquine and halofantrine
medicines to control heart rhythm
methadone
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
pimozide
ranolazine
tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline, and others
zalcitabine, ddC
ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

abarelix
alfuzosin
certain antibiotics like gentamicin, levofloxacin, mefloquine, tobramycin, vancomycin
cyclobenzaprine
diuretics
ganciclovir
foscarnet
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
medicines for diabetes
medicines for nausea like dolasetron, ondansetron, palonosetron
medicines for sleep during surgery
medicine to numb skin
octreotide
some bowel prep medicines
some medicines for cancer
tacrolimus
vardenafil

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

See your doctor for regular check ups. Tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, fever, or infection. You will need to have important blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

Do not mix this medicine with any other medicines in the nebulizer. Do not use the nebulizer for this medicine to inhale any other medicine.

This medicine can change your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can cause more thirst and more urine passed, loss of appetite, fruity breath odor, and drowsiness. Low blood sugar can cause hunger, pale skin, headache, anxiety, chills or cold sweats, and shakiness. Call your doctor or health care professional if you think you have a problem with your blood sugar level.

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All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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