Pentamidine Injection

What is this medication?

PENTAMIDINE (pen TAM i deen) treats fungal infections. It belongs to a group of medications called antifungals. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by bacteria or viruses.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pentam

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• Diabetes
• Heart problems
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• An unusual or allergic reaction to pentamidine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a muscle or into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 4 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Amoxapine
• Arsenic trioxide
• Certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, grepafloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin
• Cidofovir
• Cisapride
• Droperidol
• Haloperidol
• Levomethadyl
• Maprotiline
• Medications for malaria, such as chloroquine and halofantrine
• Medications to control heart rhythm
• Methadone
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Pimozide
• Ranolazine
• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline, and others
• Zalcitabine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Abarelix
• Alfuzosin
• Certain antibiotics, such as gentamicin, levofloxacin, mefloquine, tobramycin, vancomycin
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Diuretics
• Ganciclovir
• Foscarnet
• Medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions
• Medications for diabetes
• Medications for nausea, such as dolasetron, ondansetron, palonosetron
• Medications for sleep during surgery
• Medication to numb skin
• Octreotide
• Some bowel prep medications
• Some medications for cancer
• Tacrolimus
• Vardenafil
• Ziprasidone

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 medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication can cause changes in your blood sugar levels. Signs of high blood sugar include, thirst, more urine passed, loss of appetite, fruity breath odor, and drowsiness.  Signs of low blood sugar include chills, cool, pale skin or cold sweats, drowsiness, extreme hunger, fast heartbeat, headache, nausea, nervousness or anxiety, shakiness, trembling, unsteadiness, tiredness, or weakness. Contact your care team right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—tremors or shaking, anxiety, sweating, cold or clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
• Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
• Painful swelling, warmth, or redness of the skin, blisters or sores at the infusion site

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.