Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital

1. Which are the most common side effects of pentamidine?

They include hypoglycemia, impaired renal or liver function, anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, hypotension, and skin rashes. These side effects can be expected in 50% of patients.

2. How frequently is prophylaxis failure seen?

Adequate TMP-SMX treatment has only a 3% failure rate.

3. How are adverse reactions to TMP-SMX during PCP therapy managed?

Continuation of treatment, if the reactions are not severe, is recommended.

(Modified from 5-Minute Pediatric Consult book)