Table of Contents
What is pentamidine inhalation used for?
Pentamidine is used to try to prevent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), a very serious type of pneumonia. This type of pneumonia occurs commonly in patients whose immune systems are not working normally, such as patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Does pentamidine need a special nebulizer?
Inhaled pentamidine is administered via the Respirgard II Nebulizer, which utilizes a series of one-way valves and a filter to minimize the release of aerosol droplets into the air. Aerosolized pentamidine may be potentially toxic, necessitating use of this special nebulization system.
How do you administer pentamidine inhalation?
It is given using a special machine called a nebulizer that changes the solution to a fine mist that you inhale. Each treatment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You may also be given another inhaled medication (such as albuterol) to help open your airways before each treatment with pentamidine.
How long does pentamidine inhalation last?
Pentamidine comes as a solution to be inhaled using a nebulizer. It usually is used once every 4 weeks. Inhalation of pentamidine delivers the drug directly to your lungs.
What is pentamidine nebuliser?
Nebulised pentamidine is a medicine given to children to prevent a type of chest infection called Pneumocystis Jiroveci pneumonia. You may hear the doctors and nurses referring to this as ‘PCP’ as it was previously called Pneumocystis Carinii pneumonia.
What is the trade name for aerosolized pentamidine?
BRAND NAME(S): Nebupent. USES: Pentamidine given by inhalation is used to prevent a serious lung infection (Pneumocystis pneumonia-PCP) in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Pentamidine belongs to a class of drugs known as antiprotozoals. It works by killing the organism that causes the infection.
How do you dilute a pentamidine nebulizer?
Reconstitution. The contents of one vial (300 mg) must be dissolved in 6 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP. Place the entire reconstituted contents of the vial into the Respirgard® II nebulizer reservoir for administration.
Can pentamidine inhalation be given at home?
Aerosolized pentamidine appears to be better tolerated and is considered an alternative treatment for PCP in both hospital and community settings. This report describes our experience with 34 patients with AIDS who received aerosolized pentamidine at home.
Can IV pentamidine be used for inhalation?
The usual dose for inhalation is 300 mg given once every 4 weeks on a regular basis. The exact procedure for inhalation will be explained to you at the clinic when you go to receive your dose. For the treatment of PCP, pentamidine can be given intravenously (I.V.) over a 2 to 3 hour period, or intramuscularly (I.M.).
Can pentamidine aerosol be used to treat murine Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia?
The efficacy and tolerance of pentamidine aerosol were evaluated in the prophylaxis and therapy of murine Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. P. carinii pneumonia was induced in rats by corticosteroid immunosuppression. Pentamidine was administered three times weekly via a Bird micronebulizer.
What is the Order of pentamidine treatment?
The order must include pre-Pentamidine treatment with a unit dose bronchodilator. Pentamidine will be given via a Respigard II Nebulizer for the treatment or prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Those staff members who are pregnant or trying to conceive may elect to refrain from exposure of the Pentamidine drug. (B) Purpose of Policy
How often do you give Pentamidine isethionate for pneumonia?
The recommended adult dosage of Pentamidine Isethionate for the prevention of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is 300 mg once every four weeks administered via the Respirgard® II nebulizer. The dose should be delivered until the nebulizer chamber is empty (approximately 30 to 45 minutes).
What are the guidelines for the delivery of pentamidine aerosols?
All Pulmonary Function staff, after an appropriate physician order is received, will use the following guidelines for the safe delivery of Pentamidine aerosols. Appropriate orders should be accompanied by physician’s documentation that active tuberculosis has been ruled out.