Pulmonary Tolerance of Prophylactic Aerosolized Pentamidine in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients*

Aerosolized pentamidine prophylaxis against AIDS-related Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and its short- and long-term effects on pulmonary function in the Japanese

“…In fact, there were reports that concluded that long-term AP therapy did not affect pulmonary function in small cohorts of patients. 15 Camus et al 16 suggest that the bronchial toxicity and airway irritation may be due to the thiol derivatives contained in the pentamidine salts or the acidity of the pentamidine solution. Hiles et al 17 histopathologically demonstrated the respiratory toxicity of AP inhalation in rats and dogs.…”

Primary prophylaxis of bacterial infections and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors: 2020 updated guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (AGIHO/DGHO)

“…Pentamidine has no efficacy against toxoplasmosis and bacterial infections, which is of concern, especially after allogeneic HSCT [ 170 – 173 ]. Some authors have reported a mild to moderate decline in pulmonary function after long-term exposure [ 174 – 177 ], while others found no effect [ 178 ]. Pentamidine inhalation has been shown to cause considerable exposure and respiratory side effects in healthcare workers [ 179 , 180 ], and adequate measures are recommended to protect staff.…”

Primary and secondary prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii related complications in HIV patients

“…Smokers or patients with bronchial hyperreactivity may develop bronchospasm, which is usually prevented by prior administration of two puffs of a bronchodilator [13]. Long-term, unwanted effects or irreversible ventilatory dysfunctions are not known in patients regularly inhaling aerosolized pentamidine [14,15]. Rash [16], pancreatitis [17], hypoglycaemia [17], diabetes [18], and renal insufficiency [19] have been described but occur much more commonly when pentamidine is administered intravenously.…”