Practical information on using pentamidine

Pentamidine is active against Pneumocystis jirovecii.

Pentamidine is administered intravenously or via a jet nebuliser. It should be used with caution in patients with lung disease (eg asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]) because nebulised pentamidine may cause cough and bronchospasm.

Adverse effects of pentamidine include nephrotoxicity, elevated liver enzyme concentrations, hypoglycaemia, blood disorders and arrhythmias. These are more common with intravenous use.