Pentamidine for the treatment of Pneumocystis Pneumocystis pneumonia is a form of pneumonia that is caused by the yeast-like fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii. It is also known as PJP, for Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia. Pneumocystis pneumonia is not commonly found in the lungs of healthy people, but being a source of opportunistic infection, it can cause a lung infection in people with a weak immune system. PCP is especially seen in people with cance…Pneumocystis pneumonia
What type of medication is pentamidine?
Pentamidine injection is used to treat pneumonia caused by a fungus called Pneumocystis carinii. It is in a class of medications called antiprotozoals. It works by stopping the growth of protozoa that can cause pneumonia.
Who gets pentamidine?
Pentamidine isethionate (NebuPent®, Pentam®) is used to prevent and treat Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a very serious type of pneumonia, following liver transplantation. It may be prescribed for patients who cannot take Bactrim®.
Is pentamidine an antibiotic?
Pentamidine, however, is not a traditional antibiotic. The drug is widely used in the treatment of parasitic and fungal infections, but not as an agent for the treatment of common bacterial infections.
What is the mode of action for pentamidine?
The mode of action of pentamidine is not fully understood. It is thought that the drug interferes with nuclear metabolism producing inhibition of the synthesis of DNA, RNA, phospholipids, and proteins. Absorbed poorly through the gastrointestinal tract and is usually administered parenterally.
How do you get pneumocystis pneumonia?
PCP spreads from person to person through the air. Some healthy adults can carry the Pneumocystis fungus in their lungs without having symptoms, and it can spread to other people, including those with weakened immune systems.
What is the generic name for pentamidine?
PentamidineClinical dataTrade namesNebupent, Pentam, othersOther namespentamidine diisethionate, pentamidine dimesilateAHFS/Drugs.comMonographRoutes of administrationIV, IM, inhalation28 more rows
Is pentamidine an antifungal?
Pentamidine is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus. Pentamidine is used to prevent and treat pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci (carinii). Pentamidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is PJP pneumonia?
Pneumocystis pneumonia is a type of infection of the lungs (pneumonia) in people with a weak immune system. It is caused by a yeast-like fungus called Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJP). People with a healthy immune system don't usually get infected with PCP.
Which of the following medications may be used to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa?
Pseudomonas infection can be treated with a combination of an antipseudomonal beta-lactam (eg, penicillin or cephalosporin) and an aminoglycoside. Carbapenems (eg, imipenem, meropenem) with antipseudomonal quinolones may be used in conjunction with an aminoglycoside.
When would we as respiratory therapist suggest the use of pentamidine?
Pentamidine by inhalation is indicated for the prevention of PCP in high-risk human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected patients who have a history of one or more episodes of PCP or a peripheral CD4+ (T4 helper cell) lymphocyte count of 200/mm3 or less.
How does pentamidine work for African sleeping sickness?
Pentamidine isethionate is an antiprotozoal agent typically used for early (stage 1) African trypanosomiasis, as well as for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and leishmaniasis. It works by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase enzyme, thereby interfering with parasite aerobic glycolysis.
Is pentamidine an antiparasitic?
Pentamidine is a broad-spectrum anti-infective agent active against several parasitic worms, protozoa, and fungi. It has been used in the treatment of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in the immunocompromised, leishmaniasis (cutaneous and visceral), and human African trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness).
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Pentamidine?
Tell all of your health care providers that you take pentamidine (systemic). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
How is this medicine (Pentamidine) best taken?
Use pentamidine (systemic) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
What to do if you are not sure about pentamidine?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with pentamidine (systemic). Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems.
What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Can pentamidine cause kidney problems?
Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. If you are taking any drugs that can raise the chance of kidney problems. There are many drugs that can do this.
Can you take pentamidine with any drug?
You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take pentamidine (systemic) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
Can pentamidine cause low white blood cells?
Low white blood cell counts have happened with pentamidine (systemic). This may lead to a higher chance of getting an infection. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat . Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are the four antiviral drugs?
Antivirals. (There are four antiviral drugs approved for treating the flu in the United States—oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), amantadine (Symmetrel), and rimantadine (Flumadine).) List an antimicrobial drug that should be effective in treating: Influenza viral (types A, B, or C) pneumonia. Ribiviran.
Is mycoplasma resistant to penicillin?
All mycoplasmas lack a cell wall and, therefore, all are inherently resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics e.g., penicillin. Macrolides e.g., azithromycin are generally considered the treatment of choice for both children and adults.) List an antimicrobial drug that should be effective in treating: Mycoplasma pneumonia.