Display Patient Information Leaflets

Date issued: January 2025 

For review: January 2027 

Ref: C-608/JWC/Chest Clinic/Nebulised Pentamidine

PDF: Nebulised Pentamidine.pdf [pdf] 190KB

 

Please bring a drink and reading materials with you. 

What is Pentamidine? 

Pentamidine is a type of inhaled antibiotic.

Why do you need to have Pentamidine treatment?

You may need pentamidine if your immune system is suppressed because of either…

• Your medical condition.

• The medication or treatment you have undertaken.

As a result, you may be at increased risk of developing a type of pneumonia called Pneumocystis Carini Pneumonia (PCP). As a precaution, your consultant wishes you to undergo a course of preventative treatment.

Your appointment will be either fortnightly or monthly, according to your consultant’s wishes.

How is the treatment given?

The treatment is given as an inhalation via a nebuliser.  

What will happen at each appointment?

Each appointment could take up to 2 hours in total.

On arrival at the clinic, you will

• be weighed

• have your blood pressure and pulse recorded

• asked to perform some breathing tests.

The first part of your treatment is a drug called Salbutamol, which opens up your airways. This is also given as an inhalation via a nebuliser. When it has finished you will wait approximately 15 minutes for it to start working.

You will then be given the Pentamidine. This takes about 30 minutes, during which time you can stop as often as you like to have a drink.

Once you have finished, you will have a 5-minute rest. Your blood pressure, pulse and a breathing test will then be repeated.

You will be given your next appointment before you leave.

Are there any side effects?

Most people experience little or no side effects, but you may have:

• A metallic taste in your mouth or a sore throat. This may last for some time afterwards.

• Some light-headedness, no more than a mild hangover.

• You may experience slight breathlessness for which you will be given an inhaler to take home with you.

• You may feel tired for a few days and your appetite may be reduced.

The nurses will be happy to discuss any aspects of your treatment with you at any time during your visits.