Precautions

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Some patients may develop sudden, severe low blood pressure after a dose of pentamidine. Therefore, you should be lying down while you are receiving this medicine. Also, your doctor may want to check your blood pressure while you are receiving a pentamidine injection and several times after the dose has been given until your blood pressure is stable.

Pentamidine can lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of your getting certain infections. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If these problems occur, there are certain precautions you can take to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:

  • Check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting a cold or any other infection.
  • Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising.
  • Be careful when using regular toothbrushes, dental floss, or toothpicks. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with your health care professional before having any dental work done.
  • Avoid using a safety razor. Use an electric shaver instead. Also, be careful when using fingernail or toenail cutters.

Portions of this document last updated: Nov. 01, 2023