Pentacarinat Dosage/Direction for Use

All indications can be treated by deep intramuscular injection or intravenous injection.
Pentamidine powder is reconstituted before use with Water for Injections. For intravenous use the required dose of pentamidine diisetionate is diluted further in 50-250ml of glucose intravenous infusion or 0.9% (normal) Sodium Chloride Injection.
The following dosage regimens are recommended for adults, children and infants.
Treatment: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: The preferred route of administration is by slow IV infusion, 4 mg/kg bodyweight of pentamidine diisetionate once daily for at least 14 days. The IM route is not recommended for the treatment of PCP.
Leishmaniasis: Cutaneous: 4 mg/kg bodyweight, every other day for 3 doses by IM or IV injection.
Trypanosomiasis: 4 mg/kg bodyweight of pentamidine diisetionate per day for 7 days. The preferred route is by deep IM injection. Otherwise slow IV infusion over 60-120 minutes may be used.
Prevention: In the prophylaxis of P. carinii pneumonia, administration is by the inhalation route; the adult dosage is 300 mg every 4 weeks or 150 mg every 2 weeks.
Dissolve the contents of one pentacarinat vial (300 mg pentamidine diisetionate) in 4-6 ml water for injections and the resultant solution should be administered by a suitable nebuliser.
Elderly: There are no specific dosage recommendations for the elderly.
Renal impairment: In renal failure the following recommendations are made for a creatinine clearance of less than 10 ml/min.: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: In life threatening cases, 4 mg/kg bodyweight once daily for 7 to 10 days, then 4 mg/kg bodyweight on alternate days, to complete the course of at least 14 doses. In less severe cases, 4 mg/kg bodyweight on alternate days, to complete the course of at least 14 doses.
Leishmaniasis: No dosage reductions are necessary.
Trypanosomiasis: No dosage reductions are necessary.
Hepatic impairment: No specific dosage recommendations.