An approved antiprotozoal drug used for the treatment and prevention of
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (
PCP)
infection. It can be delivered intravenously or intramuscularly or inhaled as an aerosol.
Aerosolized pentamidine is approved for the
prophylaxis of
PCP in HIV-positive individuals with CD4+ counts below 200 per cubic millimeter or for those with prior episodes of
PCP. The drug is also known under the names Pentam and NebuPent. See also Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia.