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Effect of charcoal hemoperfusion on clearance of pentamidine isethionate after accidental overdose
R G Watts1, J E Conte, E Zurlinden
1Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35233, USA.
Background:
Pentamidine isethionate is an antimicrobial agent effective in the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis. Severe and fatal toxicity is reported with pentamidine use.
Case Report:
A patient received an accidental overdose (40 times the prescribed dose) of intravenous pentamidine due to a pharmacy mixing error. Charcoal hemoperfusion was utilized to attempt to lower the serum concentration of pentamidine and lessen toxicity.
Results:
Measurement of pentamidine concentrations in the patient's blood demonstrates a beneficial effect of hemoperfusion.
Conclusions:
Charcoal hemoperfusion may represent a useful modality in the management of pentamidine isethionate overdosage.
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