Pentamidine Isethionate

Pentamidine Isethionate
In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Pentamidine isethionate Kills protozoans by interacting with DNA.
• It is rapidly taken up by the parasites by a high-affinity energy-dependent carrier.

Uses of Pentamidine isethionate

• Treatment of leishmaniosis when resistance to the pentavalent antimony drugs (meglumine antimonate and sodium stibogluconate) has occurred.

Dose of Pentamidine isethionate
in Dogs and Cats

• Dogs:

Leishmaniosis: 4 mg/kg i.m. q48–72h (seek expert advice on treatment duration).

• Cats:

No information is available.

Side Effects of Pentamidine isethionate
in Dogs and Cats

• Pain and necrosis at the injection site.
• Hypotension, nausea, salivation, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Hypoglycaemia and blood dyscrasias are also reported in humans.

Contraindications of Pentamidine isethionate
in Dogs and Cats

• Impaired liver or kidney function.
• Never administer by rapid i.v. injection due to cardiovascular effects.

Some Notes:

• Pentamidine is a toxic drug and the potential to cause toxic damage to kidney and liver in particular should be carefully considered before use.