Mesylate pentamidine

Pentamidine is the drug of choice for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Surinam. Pentamidine mesylate in 235 patients and pentamidine isethionate in 80 patients have been compared in a retrospective study the cure rate (healing without relapse) was nearly 90% in both groups (2). Relapses occurred in about 10% of patients in both groups. Minor adverse effects, such as pain at the injection site, bitter taste, and nausea, occurred with both drugs in about 65% of patients. Respiratory tract problems occurred in under 10% of patients who took pentamidine isethionate but were uncommon in those who took pentamidine mesylate. 

Antoniskis et al reported four cases of reversible acute kidney injury in patient with AIDS who received both intravenous pentamidine (for PCP) and amphotericin B (for systemic mycoses). Of note, nephrotoxicity did not develop in three AIDS patients treated with both TMP-SMZ and amphotericin B or in two patients who concomitantly received inhaled pentamidine and amphotericin B [160]. Reports of renal damage in patients receiving parenteral pentamidine for the treatment of non-HIV diseases continue. Reversible acute kidney injury and nephrotic syndrome were documented in a young child given pentamidine mesylate and an antimonial salt for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis [161]. In Africa (Kenya) patients with visceral leishmaniasis have developed renal toxicity during prolonged treatment (1 to 10 months) with pentamidine [162]. 

Dimethanesulfonate, C Hjjl OjSj, pentamidine mesylate, Lomidlne. White powder. 

---