About pentamidine
Antiprotozoal and antipneumocystis medicine
Used for
- Treats Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia when preferred treatments cannot be used.
- Treats certain African trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis infections.
Usual adult dose
Pneumonia: 4 mg/kg by injection or infusion once daily, usually for 14–21 days. Other infections use different regimens.
Usual dose in children
Pneumonia: 4 mg/kg by injection or infusion once daily, usually for 14–21 days. Specialist dosing is required.
Common side effects
- Low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting
- Kidney injury
- Low blood sugar or high blood sugar
- Nausea, vomiting, or injection-site pain
Important warnings
- Given under medical supervision; intravenous doses are infused slowly.
- Can cause serious kidney, pancreas, blood-cell, or heart problems.
- Blood pressure, blood sugar, kidney function, and blood counts may need monitoring.
- Use caution with heart-rhythm disorders or medicines that affect kidney function.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; human pregnancy information is limited, and potential risks should be weighed against benefits.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether pentamidine passes into breast milk; specialist advice is needed.
Interactions
- Other kidney-damaging medicines may increase kidney injury.
- Medicines that prolong the QT interval may increase abnormal heart-rhythm risk.
- Medicines affecting blood sugar may complicate glucose control.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.