Pentamidine is given either as an injection, or as in inhaled medicine using a nebulizer. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Pentamidine is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it as an injection or with a nebulizer. If you are using this medicine at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine. Use only the diluent provided with your medication.
To use pentamidine as an injection:
- Pentamidine is injected into a muscle, or into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.
- Do not use pentamidine if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medication.
- Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when pentamidine is injected.
- Use a disposable needle only once, then throw away in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
To use pentamidine with a nebulizer:
- After mixing your medicine with the diluent, pour all of the mixture into the chamber of the nebulizer. Attach the mouthpiece or face mask, then attach the drug chamber to the compressor.
- Do not mix any other medicines in the nebulizer with pentamidine.
- Sit upright in a comfortable position. Place the mouthpiece into your mouth or put on the face mask, covering your nose and mouth. Turn on the compressor.
- Breathe in slowly and evenly until no more mist is formed by the nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty.
- Clean the nebulizer after each use. Follow the cleaning directions that came with your nebulizer.
If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar carefully while you are receiving pentamidine. This medicine can raise or lower your blood sugar.
While using pentamidine, you may need frequent blood tests. Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).
Store unmixed medicine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Mixed medicine must be used within a certain number of hours, depending on the diluent. Carefully follow the mixing and storage instructions provided with your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.
Pentamidine contains no preservative. Throw away any unused medicine.