Treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: current status of the regimens of pentamidine isethionate and pyrimethamine-sulfadiazine.
A randomized clinical trial is under way comparing the relative merits of pentamidine isethionate and pyrimethamine-sulfadiazine in the management of patients with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Twenty-one patients have entered the trial. Both regimens have produced at least one complete recovery in biopsy-proved pneumocystis pneumonia. Two patients have died from pneumocystis pneumonia after being treated with a combination of both regimens. Initial observations on comparative toxicity indicate pentamidine isethionate has more local toxicity, but pyrimethamine-sulfadiazine is difficult to administer to severely ill patients. Comparative merits of the two regimens will be analyzed at the completion of the present clinical trial.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000578:Amidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010419:Pentamidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011020:Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011739:Pyrimethamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013411:Sulfadiazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000578:Amidines; D013411:Sulfadiazine; D010419:Pentamidine; D011739:Pyrimethamine