PENTAMIDINE

Standard Prescription

pentamidine __mg IM/IV ___(frequency)
pentamidine __mg via nebulizer ___(frequency)

Dosages

Treatment of pneumocysitis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP):
4 mg/kg/24 hr IM/IV daily x 21 days.

Prophylaxis of pneumocysitis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP):
Inhalation
< 5 years old: 9 mg/kg/dose via nebulizer Q4 weeks. Maximum 300 mg/ per dose.
> 5 years old:
300 mg via nebulizer Q4 weeks.

Intravenous
4 mg/kg/dose IV Q4 weeks. Maximum 300 mg/dose

Mechanism of Action

Antimicrobial

Forms Supplied

Injection: 300 mg/vial

Comments

Second-line for the treatment or prophylaxis of pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. May consider for patients who are intolerant to or fail co-trimoxazole.

Adverse effects more common with treatment doses: hypoglycemia, nephrotoxicity, hypotension, increased liver enzymes, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia.

Cough and bronchospasm may occur with inhalation therapy. Pretreatment with bronchodilator may be beneficial.
    
Note: inhalation therapy requires special nebulization procedures; contact Respiratory Therapy.

References

6, 13, 44

Last Edited

2022-08-24 19:23:59