TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

PENTAMIDINE ISETHIONATE

Infectious Disease Approved 1992-06-30

Pentamidine isethionate is indicated for the prevention of *Pneumocystis jiroveci* pneumonia (PJP) in high-risk, HIV-infected patients. High-risk individuals are defined as those with a history of one or more episodes of PJP and/or a peripheral CD4+ (T4 helper/inducer) lymphocyte count less than or equal to 200/mm³. For this preventative indication, the medication is administered via inhalation using a compatible nebulizer system.

Source: FDA Label • PAI HOLDINGS

How PENTAMIDINE ISETHIONATE Works

The exact mechanism of action of pentamidine isethionate is not fully understood. However, studies suggest the drug interferes with microbial nuclear metabolism by inhibiting the synthesis of DNA, RNA, phospholipids, and proteins.

Source: FDA Label
8
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
33
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
1992-06-30
Routes
INHALATION, INJECTION
Dosage Forms
FOR SOLUTION, INJECTABLE

PENTAMIDINE ISETHIONATE Approval History

1993
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Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
30 FDA actions from 1992 to 2023
Jan 2023 ORIGINAL
Update
Mar 2022 ORIGINAL
Update
Jan 2021 ORIGINAL
Update

What PENTAMIDINE ISETHIONATE Treats

2 indications

PENTAMIDINE ISETHIONATE is approved for 2 conditions since its original approval in 1992. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia
  • Kaposi's Sarcoma
Source: FDA Label

Drugs Similar to PENTAMIDINE ISETHIONATE

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

PENTAM
PENTAMIDINE ISETHIONATE
2 shared
Fresenius Kabi
Shared indications:
Pneumocystis jiroveci PneumoniaKaposi's Sarcoma
PANRETIN
ALITRETINOIN
1 shared
ADVANZ PHARMA
Shared indications:
Kaposi's Sarcoma
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Clinical Trial Registry

3 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT07463040 MAMS4CL Ph 3 not yet recruiting Study Comparing Several Drugs to Understand Which Work Against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL)
NCT03403621 results posted 17-005230 Ph 1, Ph 2 terminated Hypertrophic Scar Prevention by Novel Topical Gel Application
NCT03096457 ABF-BO-2016-102 Ph 2, Ph 3 completed Topical Paromomycin for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Bolivia
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Active Pipeline

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

PENTAMIDINE ISETHIONATE FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

PENTAMIDINE ISETHIONATE is indicated for the treatment of Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia; Kaposi's Sarcoma.

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PENTAM

Full clinical data, patents, trials, and competitive landscape for pentamidine isethionate.

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.