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Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed 300 mg powder for solution for injection/infusion

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Pentamidine isetionate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Pentamidine isetionate
Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed contains the active substance pentamidine isetionate and is an antiparasitic medicine used in adults and children:

  • for the prevention and treatment of pneumonia caused by the pathogen Pneumocystis jirovecii (formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii),
  • for the treatment of Kala-Azar (visceral leishmaniasis) and cutaneous leishmaniasis,
  • for the treatment of the early stage of sleeping sickness (human African trypanosomiasis with Trypanosoma brucei gambiense as pathogen). The name of your medicine is Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed Powder for Solution for Injection or Infusion, but will be referred to as Pentamidine isetionate throughout this leaflet.

What you need to know before you take it

e Pentamidine isetionate Do not use Pentamidine isetionate –

if you are allergic to pentamidine isetionate

Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or nurse before having this medicine if: –

you have a high or low blood pressure you have a high or low blood sugar level you have a low white blood cell or platelet count you have anemia you have liver or kidney problems you have a slow heartbeat (bradycardia), an uneven heartbeat or any other heart problem you have unusual salt levels in your blood, especially if you have low levels of potassium (hypokalaemia) or magnesium (hypomagnesaemia)

–

you have asthma or other breathing problems you smoke

Monitoring of QTc interval is necessary in patients with known or suspect cardiac disease or taking concomitant QT-prolonging medications. Other medicines and Pentamidine isetionate Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might use any other medicines. In particular, caution should be exercised when co-administering medicinal products that prolong the QT interval. These include the following medicines:

  • medicines for mood or thought problems called "phenothiazines"
  • anti-histamines called terfenadine and astemizole (used for treatment of allergies)
  • antibiotics such as erythromycin or quinolones (used for treatment of bacterial infections)
  • halofantrine (used for treatment of malaria)
  • certain antidepressants such as amitriptyline
  • foscarnet (used for treatment of viral infections) Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine. Pregnancy Due to the lack of sufficient experience, the medicine should be administered to pregnant women only if strictly necessary because of the woman's clinical condition. Miscarriage was reported after inhalation of pentamidine in the first trimester of pregnancy. Breast-feeding If usage of pentamidine is warranted during lactation, one should ablactate before starting therapy. Driving and using machines There is no experience of impaired ability to drive and use machines. Because of possible side effects, such as dizziness or sudden, brief unconsciousness, caution is required.

How to take it

Pentamidine isetionate Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor, the following information applies to adults, adolescents, children and infants. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: Prophylaxis Inhalation (see also "Method of administration"): For prophylactic administration, The dosage in adults is 300 mg pentamidine isetionate administered as a single inhalation every 4 weeks or 150 mg every 2 weeks. Therapy Infusion (see also "Method of administration"): 4 mg pentamidine per kg body weight once daily, are preferably administered by slow intravenous infusion over 60 minutes. The

duration of the treatment of 14 days is generally sufficient. In some severe cases, prolonging the treatment may be necessary. The total duration of treatment should not exceed 21 days. Kala-Azar (visceral leishmaniasis): Every 2 days, 3 to 4 mg of pentamidine isetionate per kg of body weight by intramuscular injection. The number of applications should not exceed 10. However, it is also possible to administer a second therapy cycle, if necessary. Skin leishmaniasis: About 3 to 4 mg pentamidine isetionate per kg body weight every other day for 3-4 doses by intramuscular injection or intravenous infusion. Sleeping sickness (human African trypanosomiasis): Once daily or every other day (up to a total of 7 to 10 applications) 4 mg pentamidine isetionate per kg body weight by intramuscular injection or intravenous infusion (see also " Method of administration"). Patients with impaired kidney function In case of severely impaired kidney function (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min) a dose adjustment is required: –

For life-threatening Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, 4 mg pentamidine isetionate per kg body weight should be given once daily for 7 to 10 days. Thereafter, the dose is given every 2 days to a total of 14 doses. In less severe cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, 4 mg pentamidine isetionate per kg body weight should be given every 2 days. For sleeping sickness and leishmaniasis, the dosing interval should not be less than 48 hours.

In mild cases of kidney impairment, at least 36 hours should have elapsed between doses of the product. Patients with impaired liver function In patients with a decrease in hepatic function, the benefits of continuation of therapy should outweigh the potential risk. Elderly patients There are no specific dosage recommendations. Use in children and adolescents: The dosage recommendations given above are also applicable for infants, children and adolescents. Method of administration Administration by intramuscular or intravenous or inhalation use. 1) Having this medicine as an injection

  • A doctor or nurse will mix pentamidine isetionate with water for injections. If given into a vein, they will dilute it further in another liquid.
  • You must lie down when you are given pentamidine isetionate injection. 2) Having this medicine by inhalation
  • It is dangerous for other people to be exposed to this medicine.
  • This means that other people should not be in the same room when you are using the nebuliser.
  • The medicine is put in the nebuliser.
  • Air or oxygen is piped into the nebuliser.

–

This turns the medicine into a fine mist or spray. This spray is then inhaled into your lungs.

For instructions concerning the preparation of the solution for injection/infusion or nebuliser solution, see end of this leaflet. If you have been given more Pentamidine isetionate than you should Cardiac arrhythmias, including Torsade de pointes (a special form of cardiac arrhythmia), have been reported following an overdose of pentamidine. In case of severe overdose / poisoning you may need medical help. If you have any further questions on the use of the medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Possible side-effects after intravenous or intramuscular administration Very common: (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

  • increase of nitrogenous metabolic products of protein in the blood
  • reversible renal diseases: primarily acute renal failure, potentially life-threatening; blood in the urine;
  • reactions at the injection site: swelling, inflammation and pain until hardening, abscess formation and death of muscle tissue. Common: (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
  • diseases of the blood (sometimes life-threatening): reduction in the number of white blood cells and platelets; reduction in the number of red blood cells (anaemia)
  • metabolic disorders (potentially life-threatening): reduction in blood sugar, blood sugar increase, diabetes mellitus (persistent), reduction in serum magnesium levels, increase in serum potassium levels and reduction in serum calcium levels,
  • sudden, short-term unconsciousness, dizziness,
  • circulatory disorders (potentially life-threatening): too high or too low blood pressure, circulatory problems, feeling hot,
  • nausea, vomiting, taste disorders,
  • changes in liver function / liver function tests,
  • rashes. Rare: (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
  • QT interval prolongation, cardiac arrhythmia, potentially life-threatening
  • pancreatitis, potentially life threatening Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
  • hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reaction, angioedema and anaphylactic shock, potentially life threatening,
  • Torsades de pointes (a special form of cardiac arrhythmia),
  • slowed heartbeat,
  • severe inflammation of the skin and mucous membrane (Stevens-Johnson syndrome),
  • rhabdomyolysis (disintegration of muscle fibers) after intramuscular administration,

•

•

discomfort such as tingling and / or prickling (paresthesia) in the arms and legs, reduced sensitivity around the mouth and in other areas of the face (hypesthesia). These occurred during or shortly after the infusion and regressed after cessation or discontinuation of the infusion.

Possible side effects of inhalation therapy: Common: (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

  • coughing, shortness of breath, rales, spasms of the bronchial musculature,
  • taste disorders, nausea. Rare: (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
  • inflammation of the lung due to allergic reactions (eosinophilic pneumonia). Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
  • hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reaction, angioedema and anaphylactic shock, potentially life threatening,
  • very low blood sugar,
  • dizziness,
  • slowed heartbeat,
  • conjunctivitis (after accidental aerosol contact with the eyes),
  • too low blood pressure,
  • air accumulation in the chest (after previous Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia), hemoptysis,
  • salivation, retrosternal burning sensationum, vomiting, pancreatitis, potentially lifethreatening,
  • rash, hives, blotchy rash with nodule formation (maculopapular rash),
  • impaired renal function,
  • fever, fatigue, decreased appetite. Note: Because inhalation therapy of pentamidine can cause severe, sometimes life-threatening

Possible side effects

(see above) too, patients should be closely monitored for the development of severe side effects. If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor straight away. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

Pentamidine isetionate Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date, which is stated on the outer carton and the vial after'EXP'. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This medicine does not require any special storage conditions. After first opening: The medicinal product must be used immediately. After reconstitution/dilution: The chemical and physical in-use stability of the solution diluted in glucose 50mg/ml (5%) solution or sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution has been demonstrated for 24 hours at a temperature (20-25°C). From a microbiological point of view, the medicinal product should be used immediately, if not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not longer than 24 hours at (2 to 8°C) unless reconstitution/ dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed contains The active substance is pentamidine isetionate 1 vial contains 300 mg pentamidine isetionate. What Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed looks like and contents of the pack The medicinal product is a powder for solution for injection/infusion. It is a white to offwhite lyophilized powder/cake filled in 20 ml Type-I, clear glass vial stoppered with rubber stopper and sealed with flip off seal. Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed is supplied in cartons containing 1 or 5 glass vials. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Tillomed Laboratories Limited 220 Butterfield, Great Marlings, Luton, LU2 8DL, United Kingdom

This leaflet was last revised in 01/2026 ———————————————————————————————————–The following information is intended for medical or healthcare professionals only. Practical information on preparation and administration of Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed 300mg powder for solution for injection/ infusion (see also Section 3).

Preparation of the solution for injection/infusion and nebuliser solution: The powder should be reconstituted in a fume cupboard. For reconstitution, 5 ml of sterile water for injections should be added aseptically. After reconstitution, 1 ml solution contains 60 mg of pentamidine isetionate. The solution for injection/infusion should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discolouration prior to administration. After reconstitution the medicine is a clear, colourless solution free from visible particles. Discard the vial if visible particles are observed. For intravenous infusion, withdraw the required volume up to 5 ml (300 mg) of pentamidine isetionate and transfer into an intravenous bag containing 50-200 ml of glucose 50 mg/ml (5 %) solution for injection or sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9 %) solution for injection. The diluted solution should be mixed by gentle inversion. Other solutions for infusion should not be used. It is for single use only. Discard any unused portion left in the vial. In order to reduce the incidence of sudden, severe hypotension, pentamidine isetionate should be administered parenterally only by slow intravenous infusion with the patient lying down. Bolus intravenous injections should be avoided if possible and should never be given rapidly. For inhalation, if necessary, the required dose may be diluted further with water for injections prior to administration to the nebuliser. Note for inhalation: The optimal particle size for alveolar deposition is between 1 and 5 microns. The freshly prepared solution should be administered by inhalation using a suitable nebuliser such as a Respirgard II (trademark of Marquest Medical Products Inc.), Modified Acorn system 22 (trademark of Medic-Aid) or an equivalent device with either a compressor or piped oxygen at a flow rate of 6 to 10 Litres/Minute. The nebuliser should be used in a vacated, well-ventilated room. Only staff wearing adequate protective clothing (mask, goggles, gloves) should be in the room when nebulisers are being used. a) The powder should be reconstituted in a fume cupboard. b) A suitable well fitted one-way system should be employed such that the nebuliser stores the aerosolised drug during exhalations and disperses exhaled pentamidine into a reservoir. A filter should be fitted to the exhaust line to reduce atmospheric pollution. It is advisable to use a suitable exhaust tube which vents directly through a window to the external atmosphere. Care should be taken to ensure that passers-by will not be exposed to the exhaust. c) All bystanders including medical personnel, women of child-bearing potential, pregnant women, children, and people with a history of asthma, should avoid exposure to atmospheric pentamidine resulting from nebuliser usage Dosage equivalence: 4 mg of pentamidine isetionate contains 2.3 mg pentamidine base; 1 mg of pentamidine base is equivalent to 1.74 mg pentamidine isetionate. Displacement value: 300 mg of pentamidine isetionate displace approximately 0.15 ml of water. 5-10 minutes prior to inhalation therapy, a bronchodilating substance should be used as a spray. Bronchospasm has been reported to occur following the use of nebuliser (see section 4.8). This has been particularly noted in patients who have a history of smoking or asthma. This can be controlled by prior use of bronchodilators.

Since the pathogens in the Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia are in the air sacs (alveoli), it is important that the nebulised pentamidine particles reach there. This is only possible if the particle size is between 1 and 5 microns. Therefore, only suitable nebulisers may be used for the inhalation of pentamidine. Only clear solutions practically free from particles should be used. In order to minimise the indoor air contamination when using pentamidine as an aerosol, the corresponding functional rooms should be frequently and extensively ventilated and the inhaler systems should be switched off during the inhalation pauses. Presentation A sterile white to off-white lyophilized powder/cake supplied in single dose vials containing 300mg pentamidine isetionate. Precautions Pentamidine isetionate should be used with particular caution in patients with hepatic and/or renal dysfunction, hypertension or hypotension, hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia or anaemia. Fatalities due to severe hypotension, hypoglycaemia, acute pancreatitis and cardiac arrhythmias have been reported in patients treated with pentamidine isetionate, by both the intramuscular and intravenous routes. Baseline blood pressure should be established and patients should receive the drug lying down. Blood pressure should be closely monitored during administration and at regular intervals until treatment is concluded. Therefore patients receiving pentamidine isetionate by inhalation should be closely monitored for the development of severe adverse reactions. Bronchospasm has been reported to occur following the use of the nebuliser. This has been particularly noted in patients who have a history of smoking or asthma. This can be controlled by prior use of bronchodilators. Pentamidine isetionate may prolong the QT interval. Cardiac arrhythmias indicative of QT prolongation, such as Torsades de Pointes, have been reported in isolated cases with administration of pentamidine isetionate. Therefore, pentamidine isetionate should be used with care in patients with conditions known to increase the proarrhythmic risk, including patients with long QT syndrome, cardiac disease (e.g. coronary heart disease heart failure), a history of ventricular arrhythmias, uncorrected hypokalaemia and / or hypomagnesaemia, bradycardia (<50 bpm) or during concomitant administration of pentamidine isetionate with QT prolonging agents. Particular caution is necessary if the QTc exceeds 500 msec whilst receiving pentamidine isetionate therapy, continuous cardiac monitoring should be considered in this case. Should the QTc- interval exceed 550 msec then an alternative regimen should be considered. Laboratory monitoring: The following tests should be carried out regularly: –

–

Blood Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine daily throughout the therapy. Complete blood count on each day of therapy. Fasting blood glucose on each therapy day and at regular intervals after the end of the therapy. In some cases, hyperglycaemia and diabetes mellitus have occurred months after the end of therapy. Liver function tests, in particular bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST/SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT). For

–

baseline values and in case of only minor changes, a weekly determination is sufficient. If the pre therapy values or values during therapy are elevated, the tests should also be performed once a week, unless the patient is treated with other hepatotoxic preparations, in which case it should be checked approximately every 3-5 days. Serum Calcium once a week, Serum magnesium twice a week. Urinalysis and determination of serum electrolytes daily during the period of therapy. Electrocardiograms at regular intervals.

The benefit of pentamidine inhalation therapy in patients at high risk for pneumothorax should be weighed against the clinical consequences of such manifestation. Pharmaceutical precautions This product should be reconstituted in a fume cupboard. This medicine does not require any special storage conditions. After reconstitution/dilution: The chemical and physical in-use stability of the solution diluted in glucose 50mg/ml (5%) solution or sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution has been demonstrated for 24 hours at a temperature (20-25°C). From a microbiological point of view, the medicinal product should be used immediately, if not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not longer than 24 hours at (2 to 8°C) unless reconstitution/ dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions. Concentrated solutions for administration by the inhalation route should be used immediately. After reconstitution with Water for Injections, pentamidine isetionate should not be mixed with any injection solution other than glucose 50 mg/ml (5%) solution for injection or sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for injection.

Frequently asked questions about Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed 300 mg powder for solution for injection/infusion

How do I take Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed 300 mg powder for solution for injection/infusion?

Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed 300 mg powder for solution for injection/infusion comes as injection containing 300mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed 300 mg powder for solution for injection/infusion?

The active substance in Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed 300 mg powder for solution for injection/infusion is pentamidine isetionate.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed 300 mg powder for solution for injection/infusion, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed 300 mg powder for solution for injection/infusion without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Pentamidine isetionate (1 medicine)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Pentamidine isetionate is indicated in adults and children for

- Prophylaxis and therapy of Pneumocystis jirovecii (formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii) pneumonia.

- Treatment of visceral and cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

- Treatment of first-stage of human African trypanosomiasis due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense.

Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antiprotozoal agents.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

The following dosage recommendations apply to adults, adolescents, children and infants:

Pneumocystis jirovecii (formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii) pneumonia

Prophylaxis

Inhalation of pentamidine is recommended for the prophylaxis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (see below "Method of administration").

The adult dosage for inhalation is 150 mg pentamidine isetionate every two weeks or one dose of 300 mg once a month.

Therapy

For the therapy of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, intravenous infusion of the medicinal product is recommended (see below "Method of administration").

4 mg of pentamidine isetionate per kg body weight once daily is preferably administered by slow intravenous infusion over 60 minutes. The therapy duration of 14 days is generally sufficient. In some severe cases, prolonging the therapy may be necessary.

The total duration of therapy should not exceed 21 days.

Leishmaniasis

Visceral: 3-4 mg pentamidine isetionate per kg body weight is most conveniently administered by intramuscular injection every other day. The number of applications should not exceed 10. However, it is also possible to administer a second treatment cycle if necessary.

Cutaneous: 3-4 mg of pentamidine isetionate per kg of body weight every other day for 3-4 doses by intramuscular injection or intravenous infusion.

Human African Trypanosomiasis

4 mg of pentamidine isetionate per kg of body weight once a day or every other day. Pentamidine is injected intramuscularly or infused intravenously up to a total of 7-10 applications (also see under "Method of administration").

Special populations

Renal impairment:

In case of severely impaired renal function (creatinine clearance <10 ml / min) a dose adjustment is required:

- For life-threatening Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, 4 mg pentamidine isetionate per kg of body weight should be given once daily for 7-10 days. Thereafter, the dose is given every 2 days to a total of at least 14 doses.

- In less severe cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, 4 mg pentamidine isetionate per kg body weight should be given every 2 days.

- For trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis, the dosing interval should not be less than 48 hours.

In mild cases of renal impairment, at least 36 hours should have elapsed between doses of the product.

Hepatic impairment:

No specific dosage recommendations. In patients with a decrease in hepatic function, the benefits of continuation of therapy should outweigh the potential risk.

Elderly:

No specific dosage recommendations.

Paediatric population:

For infants, children and adolescents, the dosage recommendations given above apply.

Method of administration

Administration by intramuscular or intravenous or inhalation use.

Depending on the indication, the medicinal product is injected intramuscularly after appropriate preparation, infused intravenously or inhaled orally (nasal masks are not suitable).

The infusion/injection should be done with extra caution and with the patient in a reclining position (see also section 4.4)

For instructions on reconstitution and dilution of the medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6.

Notes for inhalation:

The optimal particle size for alveolar deposition is between 1 and 5 microns.

The freshly prepared solution should be administered by inhalation using a suitable nebuliser such as a Respirgard II (trademark of Marquest Medical Products Inc.), Modified Acorn system 22 (trademark of Medic-Aid) or an equivalent device with either a compressor or piped oxygen at a flow rate of 6 to 10 Litres/Minute.

The nebuliser should be used in a vacated, well-ventilated room. Only staff wearing adequate protective clothing (mask, goggles, gloves) should be in the room when nebulisers are being used.

a) This medicinal product should be reconstituted in a fume cupboard.

b) A suitable well fitted one-way system should be employed such that the nebuliser stores the aerosolised drug during exhalations and disperses exhaled pentamidine into a reservoir. A filter should be fitted to the exhaust line to reduce atmospheric pollution. It is advisable to use a suitable exhaust tube which vents directly through a window to the external atmosphere. Care should be taken to ensure that passers-by will not be exposed to the exhaust.

c) All bystanders including medical personnel, women of child-bearing potential, pregnant women, children, and people with a history of asthma, should avoid exposure to atmospheric pentamidine resulting from nebuliser usage.

Dosage equivalence: 4 mg of pentamidine isetionate contains 2.3 mg pentamidine base; 1 mg of pentamidine base is equivalent to 1.74 mg pentamidine isetionate.

Displacement value: 300 mg of pentamidine isetionate displace approximately 0.15 ml of water.

5-10 minutes prior to inhalation therapy, a bronchodilator should be used as a metered dose inhaler. Bronchospasm has been reported to occur following the use of nebuliser (see section 4.8). This has been particularly noted in patients who have a history of smoking or asthma. This can be controlled by prior use of bronchodilators.

Since the pathogens in the Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia are located in the air sacs (alveoli), it is important that the nebulised pentamidine particles also reach there. This is only possible if the particle size is between 1 and 5 microns. Therefore, only suitable nebulisers may be used for the pentamidine inhalation therapy.

Only clear solutions practically free from particles should be used.

In order to minimise the indoor air contamination when using pentamidine as an aerosol, the corresponding functional rooms should be frequently and extensively ventilated and the inhaler systems should be switched off during the inhalation pauses.

4.3. Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active substance.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Since there may be a sudden and severe fall in blood pressure even after an injection of pentamidine, the patient should be reclining when administered the medicinal product. Continuous monitoring of blood pressure should be ensured during and after the infusion / injection.

Pentamidine should be used with caution in patients with hypertension, hypotension, hyper-glycemia, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia or anemia, and hepatic or renal impairment. In these patients, a particularly close monitoring of the corresponding laboratory parameters is indicated.

Fatal cases of severe hypotension, hypoglycaemia, acute pancreatitis and cardiac arrhythmias have been reported with pentamidine therapy following intravenous and intramuscular administration. Before administration, blood pressure should be checked with the patient in a supine position. Blood pressure should be monitored during administration of pentamidine and regularly until the end of therapy.

Inhalation therapy should also be performed with care and under medical supervision. Patients should be monitored for the development of symptoms of a severe adverse reaction.

Bronchospasm has been reported when inhaled with a nebuliser (see section 4.8), especially in patients with a history of asthma or in case of smokers. Pre-administration of an inhaled bronchodilator reduces coughing and bronchospasm and improves aerosol deposition.

Pentamidine isetionate may prolong the QT interval. Cardiac arrhythmias, such as Torsades de pointes, which indicate a QT prolongation, have been reported occasionally during pentamidine isetionate therapy. Therefore, pentamidine isetionate should be used with caution in patients at an increased risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias, prolonged QT syndrome, cardiac disease (e.g, coronary heart disease, cardiac failure), and known ventricular arrhythmias, with bradycardia (<50 bpm) or during concomitant administration of pentamidine isethionate with QT prolonging agents (see section 4.5), patients with untreated hypokalaemia and / or hypomagnesemia Monitoring of QTc interval is necessary in patients with known or suspect cardiac disease or taking concomitant QT-prolonging medications.

Special care should be taken when QTc interval exceeds 500 ms during therapy. Continuous monitoring of cardiac function should be considered in these cases. If the QTc interval exceeds 550 ms, alternative therapy should be considered.

Other precautions

The following examinations should be carried out regularly:

- Blood Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine daily throughout the therapy.

- Complete blood count on each day of therapy.

- Fasting blood sugar on each therapy day and at regular intervals after the end of the therapy. In some cases, hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus have occurred months after the end of therapy.

- Liver function tests, in particular bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST / SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT / SGPT). For baseline values and in case of only minor changes, a weekly determination is sufficient. If the pre therapy values or values during therapy are elevated, the tests should also be performed once a week, unless the patient is treated with other hepatotoxic preparations, in which case it should be checked approximately every 3-5 days.

- Serum Calcium once a week, Serum magnesium twice a week.

- Urinalysis and determination of serum electrolytes daily during the period of therapy.

- Electrocardiograms at regular intervals.

The benefit of pentamidine inhalation therapy in patients at high risk for pneumothorax should be weighed against the clinical consequences of such manifestation.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Concurrent use of dideoxyinosine is associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis.

Coadministration of foscarnet may cause severe renal impairment and hypocalcemia.

Systemic therapy with pentamidine and amphotericin B is associated with severe renal impairment. Nephrotoxic interaction has not been described with inhalation therapy of pentamidine.

Caution is advised with the simultaneous administration of preparations that prolong the QT interval, such as phenothiazine, tricyclic antidepressants, terfenadine, astemizole, intravenous erythromycin, halofantrine and quinolones (see also section 4.4).

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

So far, there are none or very limited experience with the use of pentamidine in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). A miscarriage was reported after inhalation of pentamidine for prophylaxis in the first trimester of pregnancy. Pentamidine isetionate should not be used during pregnancy unless therapy with pentamidine is required due to the woman's clinical condition.

Breast-feeding

It is not known if pentamidine / metabolites are excreted in breast milk. Breastfeeding should be discontinued during pentamidine therapy.

Fertility

There are no clinical or animal data on the effects of pentamidine on fertility.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

There are no reports of impaired ability to drive and use machines. Considering the possible side effects (e.g. dizziness, syncope and others), caution is advised.

4.8. Undesirable effects

The frequency of side-effects is based on the following categories:

Very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Adverse reactions in parenteral administration:

MedDRA system organ class

Frequency

Adverse reaction

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Common

Anaemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, potentially life-threatening

Immune system disorders

Not known

Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reaction, angioedema and anaphylactic shock, potentially life-threatening

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Very common

Azotemia

Common

Hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, diabetes mellitus (also persistent), hypomagnesaemia, hyperkalaemia and hypocalcaemia, potentially life-threatening

Nervous system disorders

Common

Syncope and dizziness

Not known

Paresthesia of the extremities, hypoaesthesia (perioral hypoaestheia, facial hypoaesthesia). These occurred during or shortly after the i.v. in-fusion and resolved after completion or discontinuation of the infusion

Cardiac disorders

Rare

QT interval prolongation, arrhythmia, potentially life-threatening

Not known

Torsades de Pointes, bradycardia

Vascular disorders

Common

Hypertension or hypotension, potentially life-threatening, circulatory collapse, flushing

Gastrointestinal disorders

Common

Nausea, vomiting, taste disorders

Rare

Pancreatitis, potentially life-threatening

Hepatobiliary disorders

Common

Hepatic changes, abnormal liver function tests

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Common

Rashes

Not known

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Renal and urinary disorders

Very common

Acute renal failure, potentially life threatening; macroscopic haematuria

General disorders and administration site conditions

Very common

Local reactions: ranging in severity from swelling, inflammation and pain to induration, abscess formation and muscle necrosis

Not known

Rhabdomyolysis after intramuscular administration

Adverse reactions of inhalation treatment:

MedDRA system organ class

Frequency

Adverse reaction

Immune system disorders

Not known

Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reaction, angioedema and anaphylactic shock, potentially life-threatening

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Not known

Hypoglycemia

Nervous system disorders

Not known

Dizziness

Eye disorders

Not known

Conjunctivitis (after accidental contact of the aerosol with the eyes)

Cardiac disorders

Not known

Bradycardia

Vascular disorders

Not known

Hypotension

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Common

Local reactions of varying degrees of severity: cough, dyspnea, wheezing, bronchospasm, especially in smokers or asthmatics, which can usually be avoided by prior administration of a bronchodilator

Rare

Eosinophilic pneumonia

Not known

Pneumothorax (after previous PCP), hemoptysis

Gastrointestinal disorders

Common

Dysgeusia, nausea

Not known

Salivation, retrosternal burning, vomiting, acute pancreatitis

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Not known

Rash, urticarial and maculopapular rashes

Renal and urinary disorders

Not known

Renal failure

General disorders and administration site conditions

Not known

Fever, decreased appetite, fatigue

Note:

As severe, occasional life-threatening adverse reaction (see above) cannot be ruled out with inhalation therapy of pentamidine, patients should be closely monitored for the development of severe adverse reactions.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Cardiac arrhythmias, including Torsades de Pointes, have been reported after overdose with pentamidine isetionate.

Treatment is symptomatic.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Pentamidine isetionate Tillomed 300 mg powder for solution for injection/infusion. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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