Aerosolized pentamidine is widely used in adult patients with human immunodeficiency virus as both prophylaxis and therapy for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of a monthly regimen of aerosolized pentamidine in human immunodeficiency virus-infected infants. Seven human immunodeficiency virus-infected infants, ages 3.5 to 11 months, were given a total of 45 monthly treatments of aerosolized pentamidine. The infant's dose of pentamidine was based on an adult dosage of 300 to 600 mg/month, adjusted for minute ventilation and weight. There were no discernible clinical side effects in 62% (28 of 45) of the treatments. Observed toxicity included mild to moderate coughing, mild wheeze and transient arterial desaturation as measured by pulse oximetry. Pulmonary function data revealed an increased tidal volume (P < 0.005) and an increased pulmonary resistance (P < 0.02) post-pentamidine treatment. Urinary pentamidine concentrations were obtained and pentamidine was detected in all tested samples suggesting pulmonary deposition and systemic absorption. In conclusion aerosolized pentamidine appears to be a relatively safe, well-tolerated treatment in infants, with side effects similar to those seen in adults.
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