Side Effects

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Pentamidine may cause some serious side effects, including heart problems, low blood pressure, low or high blood sugar, and other blood problems. You and your doctor should discuss the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of receiving it.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

  1. Decrease in urination
  2. sore throat and fever
  3. unusual bleeding or bruising

Signs of diabetes mellitus or high blood sugar

  1. Drowsiness
  2. flushed, dry skin
  3. fruit-like breath odor
  4. increased thirst
  5. increased urination
  6. loss of appetite

Signs of low blood sugar

  1. Anxiety
  2. chills
  3. cold sweats
  4. cool, pale skin
  5. headache
  6. increased hunger
  7. nausea
  8. nervousness
  9. shakiness

Signs of low blood pressure

  1. Blurred vision
  2. confusion
  3. dizziness
  4. fainting or lightheadedness
  5. unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

  1. Fast or irregular pulse
  2. fever
  3. nausea and vomiting
  4. pain in upper abdomen
  5. pain, redness, and/or hardness at place of injection
  6. skin rash, redness, or itching

Note: Signs of diabetes mellitus or high blood sugar, or signs of low blood sugar may also occur up to several months after you stop receiving this medicine.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  1. Diarrhea
  2. loss of appetite
  3. nausea and vomiting

Stomach problems, such as nausea and vomiting, or loss of appetite, are common minor side effects seen in pentamidine treatment. However, if you have these problems, and at the same time have sharp pain in the upper abdomen, or an unusual decrease in the amount of urine, check with your doctor immediately.

Pentamidine may also cause an unpleasant metallic taste. This side effect is to be expected and does not require medical attention.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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