Chapter 21: Haematological procedures
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Complications
If bronchospasm occurs during or after pentamidine therapy, make sure that a bronchodilator is prescribed and call for assistance from the medical team or critical care outreach team.
The patient may complain of a burning sensation in the back of the throat, usually occurring in the latter part of therapy. This is usually resolved by temporarily discontinuing therapy and allowing the patient to have a drink of some liquid. Other rare complications include chest pain, palpitations, syncope, confusion, seizure, or marked desaturation (Joint Formulary Committee [62]). If any of these occurs, immediate attention from the medical and critical care outreach team will be required (NPSA [88]).
