Pentamidine Isethionate: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side effects

Chemical formula:

• C19H24N4O2·2C6H8O7

Structure of Pentamidine Isethionate

Mechanism of action:

• Pentamidine is an aromatic diamidine that likely interferes with the DNA and RNA synthesis in the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma species, resulting in cell death.

Uses:

• Pentamidine isethionate is primarily used to treat African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-infected patients. It is also used to treat and prevent leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis in certain cases.

Side effects:

• Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), hypotension, dizziness, and renal toxicity. Other side effects may include anemia, leukopenia, hypoglycemia, or pancreatitis.