Aerosolized pentamidine in Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

AP has been shown to be a promising alternative therapy to trimethroprim-sulfamethoxazole for the treatment and prevention of PCP in AIDS patients with fewer side effects than the systemic agents. More controlled clinical trials are still needed to establish the optimal dosage regimen for treatment and prevention of PCP. Clinicians should also be aware that disseminated disease caused by pneumocystis carinii involving organs other than the lung has been reported in patients treated with AP. The selection of an effective aerosol-delivery nebulizer is also very important to achieve high lung concentrations. The Respirgard II nebulizer is the only one currently approved by the FDA for use with AP. Fisoneb, an ultrasonic nebulizer is currently under investigation for approval.