Pentamidine for Injection (Benambax) is an important antifungal drug, mainly indicated for the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and is particularly suitable for immunocompromised populations such as AIDS patients.
Medication Precautions for Benambax for Injection
Absolute Contraindicated Populations
Pentamidine for Injection is explicitly contraindicated in patients with a history of allergy to any component of this medication.
Concurrent use with the following drugs is also contraindicated: Zalcitabine, Foscarnet Sodium, and Amiodarone (injection).
For the inhalation administration route, it is additionally contraindicated in patients with severe ventilation disorders (with a partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO₂) below 60 mmHg).
Baseline Condition Assessment
A comprehensive medical inquiry must be conducted prior to medication administration, with special attention paid to potential risk factors such as hematological diseases and shock in patients.
Clinical examinations including blood tests, liver and kidney function tests, and electrocardiograms should be performed to provide baseline data for subsequent treatment.
Risk of Hypotension
Sudden severe hypotension may occur after medication administration.
The patient's baseline blood pressure must be measured in advance. During drug administration, the patient should maintain a recumbent position, and blood pressure changes should be regularly monitored during each administration and throughout the treatment period.
Arrhythmia Monitoring
This is especially applicable to patients with coronary heart disease, a history of ventricular arrhythmia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, or bradycardia.
Vigilance should be maintained against the occurrence of severe arrhythmias such as QT interval prolongation and Torsades de Pointes.
Glucose Metabolism Disorders
Severe hypoglycemia, as well as hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, may occur after taking the drug.
Continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels is required throughout the entire treatment period and after treatment to promptly detect and address any abnormalities.
Effects on the Hematological System
Close monitoring is necessary for hematological abnormalities such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia.
If severe hematological adverse reactions occur, consideration should be given to discontinuing the drug and implementing corresponding therapeutic measures.
Explicitly Contraindicated Combined Medications
Zalcitabine: Reported cases of death due to acute pancreatitis have been associated with concurrent use.
Foscarnet Sodium: May aggravate renal injury and hypocalcemia.
Amiodarone (injection): Increases the risk of Torsades de Pointes.
Medication Monitoring for Pentamidine for Injection (Benambax)
Routine Monitoring Items
Hematological system monitoring: Including indicators such as white blood cell count, platelet count, and hemoglobin.
Biochemical indicator monitoring: Including liver enzymes (Aspartate Aminotransferase, Alanine Aminotransferase, Alkaline Phosphatase), bilirubin, and electrolytes (Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, Calcium, Magnesium).
Renal function indicators: Including blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine.
Monitoring Frequency Adjustment Based on Platelet Levels
When the platelet count is ≥ 140×10⁹/L, monitoring should be conducted every two weeks.
When the platelet count ranges from 100 - 139×10⁹/L, monitoring should be performed weekly.
When the platelet count ranges from 75 - 99×10⁹/L, treatment should be suspended, and resumed after the platelet count recovers.
When the platelet count is below 75×10⁹/L, more intensive monitoring is required until the drug is discontinued.
