Drug Name:Pentamidine
Drug Class:Antiprotozoal agent
Mechanism of Action:
  • Inhibits DNA synthesis and damages the cell membrane of protozoa
Use:
  • Treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP)
  • Treatment of leishmaniasis
  • Prophylaxis of PCP in immunocompromised patients
Side Effects:
  • Hypotension
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Hypocalcemia
  • Hypomagnesemia
  • Nephrotoxicity
  • Pancreatitis
  • QT prolongation
  • Hepatotoxicity
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Bronchospasm
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to pentamidine
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
Specialty:
  • Infectious disease
  • Pulmonology
  • Internal medicine