Antiprotozoal agents pentamidine

Pharmacology Pentamidine isethionate, an aromatic diamidine antiprotozoal agent, has activity against P. carinii. In vitro studies indicate that the drug interferes with nuclear metabolism and inhibits the synthesis of DNA, RNA, phospholipids, and protein synthesis. 

Pentamidine is an aromatic diamidine that was initially synthesized in the 1930s in a search for hypoglycemic agents. Because of its antiprotozoal activity, pentamidine has been used extensively for treatment and chemoprophylaxis of African trypanosomiasis. The exact mechanism of action of pentamidine is not known in vitro, it has been found to interfere with folate metabolism, anaerobic glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and nucleic acid replication [1], Pentamidine usually is given parenterally in a dose of 4mg/kg/day as the isethionate salt, the only preparation available in the United States [1], Administration must be parenteral because gastrointestinal absorption is poor. Adverse reactions to pentamidine appear to be dose dependent, in that a 3-g total dose, which usually is reached in the second week of parenteral therapy, frequently causes toxicity [2]. 

Pentamidine isethionate is an antiprotozoal agent that interferes with synthesis of DNA, RNA, phospholipids, and proteins. 

ANTIPROTOZOALS - pentamidine isetionate 10. ANTIPSYCHOTICS-atypical agents, phenothiazines, pimozide 11. BETA-BLOCKERS-sotalol 12. BRONCHODILATORS-parenteral bronchodilators 13. CNS STIMULANTS - atomoxetine... 

---