Pentamidine
from class: Microbiology Definition Pentamidine is an antimicrobial drug used primarily to treat certain parasitic and fungal infections. It is often employed when other treatments are ineffective or contraindicated.
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Predict what's on your test 5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test Pentamidine is commonly used to treat Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), a serious fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. It acts by interfering with the replication of DNA, RNA, phospholipids, and proteins in pathogens. Pentamidine can be administered via inhalation, intravenously, or intramuscularly depending on the type of infection being treated. Common side effects include low blood pressure, kidney dysfunction, and hypoglycemia. It is also used off-label for treating certain protozoal infections such as Leishmaniasis and African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness). Review Questions What types of infections is pentamidine primarily used to treat? Describe the mechanism of action of pentamidine in inhibiting pathogen replication. What are some common side effects associated with pentamidine? "Pentamidine" also found in:
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